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A Report for the Year 2012 Focus on Urban Waste Water Treatment in 2012
A Report for the Year 2012
Focus on Urban Waste Water Treatment in 2012
Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) isa statutory body responsible for protectingthe environment in Ireland. We regulate andpolice activities that might otherwise causepollution. We ensure there is solidinformation on environmental trends so thatnecessary actions are taken. Our priorities areprotecting the Irish environment andensuring that development is sustainable.
The EPA is an independent public bodyestablished in July 1993 under theEnvironmental Protection Agency Act, 1992.Its sponsor in Government is the Departmentof the Environment, Community and LocalGovernment.
OUR RESPONSIBILITIES LICENSING
We license the following to ensure that their emissionsdo not endanger human health or harm theenvironment:
n waste facilities (e.g., landfills, incinerators, wastetransfer stations);
n large scale industrial activities (e.g., pharmaceuticalmanufacturing, cement manufacturing, powerplants);
n intensive agriculture;
n the contained use and controlled release ofGenetically Modified Organisms (GMOs);
n large petrol storage facilities;
n waste water discharges;
n dumping at sea.
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT
n Conducting over 1200 audits and inspections of EPAlicensed facilities every year.
n Overseeing local authorities’ environmentalprotection responsibilities in the areas of - air,noise, waste, waste-water and water quality.
n Working with local authorities and the Gardaí tostamp out illegal waste activity by co-ordinating anational enforcement network, targeting offenders,conducting investigations and overseeingremediation.
n Prosecuting those who flout environmental law anddamage the environment as a result of their actions.
MONITORING, ANALYSING AND REPORTING ON THEENVIRONMENT
n Monitoring air quality and the quality of rivers,lakes, tidal waters and ground waters; measuringwater levels and river flows.
n Independent reporting to inform decision making bynational and local government.
REGULATING IRELAND’S GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
n Quantifying Ireland’s emissions of greenhouse gasesin the context of our Kyoto commitments
n Implementing the Emissions Trading Directive,involving over 100 companies who are majorgenerators of carbon dioxide in Ireland.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
n Co-ordinating research on environmental issues(including air and water quality, climate change,biodiversity, environmental technologies).
STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
n Assessing the impact of plans and programmes onthe Irish environment (such as waste managementand development plans).
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING, EDUCATION ANDGUIDANCE n Providing guidance to the public and to industry on
various environmental topics (including licenceapplications, waste prevention and environmentalregulations).
n Generating greater environmental awareness(through environmental television programmes andprimary and secondary schools’ resource packs).
PROACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT
n Promoting waste prevention and minimisationprojects through the co-ordination of the NationalWaste Prevention Programme, including input intothe implementation of Producer ResponsibilityInitiatives.
n Enforcing Regulations such as Waste Electrical andElectronic Equipment (WEEE) and Restriction ofHazardous Substances (RoHS) and substances thatdeplete the ozone layer.
n Developing a National Hazardous Waste ManagementPlan to prevent and manage hazardous waste.
MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE OF THE EPA
The organisation is managed by a full time Board,consisting of a Director General and four Directors.
The work of the EPA is carried out across four offices:
n Office of Climate, Licensing and Resource Use
n Office of Environmental Enforcement
n Office of Environmental Assessment
n Office of Communications and Corporate Services
The EPA is assisted by an Advisory Committee of twelvemembers who meet several times a year to discussissues of concern and offer advice to the Board.
EPA Inside Pages NEW_Blue Text 07/06/2013 10:12 Page 1
Focus on Urban Waste Water Treatment in 2012
Environmental Protection Agency
An Ghníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil
P.O. Box 3000, Johnstown Castle Estate, County Wexford, Ireland
Telephone: +353 53 9160600 Fax: +353 53 9160699
E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.epa.ie
LoCall: 1890 335599
© Environmental Protection Agency 2014
Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the material contained in this
publication, complete accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Neither the Environmental Protection Agency
nor the authors accept any responsibility whatsoever for loss or damage occasioned or claimed to
have been occasioned, in part or in full, as a consequence of any person acting, or refraining from
acting, as a result of a matter contained in this publication.
All or part of this publication may be reproduced without further permission, provided the source is
acknowledged.
Focus on Urban Waste Water Treatment in 2012
Authors: David Shannon, Brendan Wall and David Flynn
Published by the Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland
ISBN: 978-1-84095-531-6
Cover photograph courtesy of John Doheny, EPA
i
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ..................................................................................................................................... i
Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................ ii
1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1
2 Waste water treatment infrastructure and effluent quality in 2012 .................................................. 2
2.1 Waste water treatment infrastructure ...................................................................................... 2
2.2 Effluent quality at large urban areas ....................................................................................... 3
2.3 Effluent quality at all urban areas with secondary waste water treatment .............................. 5
2.4 Effluent quality at all urban areas ............................................................................................ 6
2.5 Assessment of compliance with standards for phosphorus and nitrogen ............................... 9
3 Enforcement of waste water discharge authorisations in 2012 .................................................... 12
3.1 Progress on infrastructural improvements required by the licence ....................................... 12
3.2 The environmental risk profile of the waste water works ...................................................... 12
3.2.1 Making a difference to water quality.............................................................................. 13
3.3 Compliance with emission limit values in licences ................................................................ 14
3.4 Environmental incidents and complaints ............................................................................... 15
3.5 Comprehensive and accurate reporting by water services authorities to the EPA ............... 16
3.6 EPA audits ............................................................................................................................. 17
4 Certificates of authorisation ........................................................................................................... 18
5 Sewage Sludge ............................................................................................................................. 20
6 Recommendations ........................................................................................................................ 21
6.1 Progress on infrastructural improvements ............................................................................ 21
6.2 Reducing the environmental risk profile of waste water works ............................................. 21
6.3 Compliance with effluent quality standards ........................................................................... 21
6.4 Environmental incidents and complaints ............................................................................... 22
6.5 Comprehensive and accurate reporting to the EPA.............................................................. 22
Appendix A: County reports. ................................................................................................................. 23
Appendix B: Areas with no treatment or preliminary treatment only. .................................................... 58
Appendix C: Sewage sludge produced by water services authorities in 2012. .................................... 60
ii
Executive Summary
Introduction
This report provides an overview of urban waste water treatment in Ireland during 2012, based on
EPA licensing and regulation of waste water discharge authorisations and information from water
services authorities. It outlines the performance of waste water treatment plants across the country
before Irish Water, the new national water utility established under the Water Services Act 2013,
takes over responsibility for these assets from the 34 water services authorities. The transfer of
responsibilities commenced in January 2014.
The Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations 2001-2010 and the 1991 Urban Waste Water
Treatment Directive (the Directive) set requirements on the provision of urban waste water collection
systems and treatment plants, provide for the monitoring of waste water discharges and specify limits
for certain parameters in the discharges. Irish Water will be responsible for ensuring compliance with
this legislation. The EPA will be the environmental regulator for this new semi-state company.
Key findings
Infrastructure
94% of the national waste water load received secondary (biological) treatment in 2012, a
three-fold increase in just over a decade.
Continued infrastructural investment is required however as some areas did not have the
necessary treatment infrastructure in place in 2012.
- Seven larger urban areas listed in Table 1 did not meet the European Union Directive
requirement to provide secondary treatment.
Table 1. Areas where secondary treatment required by the European Union Directive is not in
place
Urban area Water services authority estimated completion date
Killybegs 2015
Clifden Mid-2015
Youghal End 2015
Cobh Late 2016
Passage West / Monkstown Late 2016
Ringaskiddy / Crosshaven / Carrigaline Late 2016
Arklow 2016
- Eight of the larger urban areas that failed the mandatory nutrient quality standards have
also not met the Directive’s requirement to provide the relevant nutrient reduction in
addition to secondary treatment for discharges to sensitive areas. These areas are
Greater Dublin (Ringsend), Cork City, Dundalk, Killybegs, Navan, Cavan, Roscrea and
Carrigtohill (refer to section 2.5 of the report for further details).
iii
- Twenty-eight smaller urban areas have no treatment or just basic screening in place.
These must be upgraded to meet the relevant treatment requirements in the Directive
(see Appendix B in the report).
Effluent quality
The European Union Directive on Urban Waste Water Treatment specifies monitoring
requirements and sets waste water discharge limits for the water quality indicator parameters
of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total suspended
solids (TSS). The trend in improving national compliance observed in recent years continued
in 2012 but there is still room for significant improvement as compliance rates are below those
found in many other European countries.
The European Union Directive’s standards are mandatory at 170 larger urban areas and 76%
of these areas met all the effluent quality and sampling standards for BOD, COD and TSS. In
2011 the compliance rate was 70%.
The Directive also sets limits on the concentration of certain nutrients in effluent discharged to
sensitive areas from large towns and cities. The compliance rates for the mandatory
phosphorus and nitrogen standards were 77% and 50% respectively.
44 larger urban areas did not meet all the relevant mandatory effluent quality standards for
biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, nitrogen and phosphorus.
When the effluent quality from all 541 urban areas was examined, and compared against the
BOD, COD and TSS standards, the compliance rate was 57%, up from 51% in 2011.
443 secondary treatment plants were operated by local authorities during 2012 and 69% of
these met the BOD, COD and TSS standards, up from 64% in 2011.
The sampling programme at 5% of areas with secondary treatment plants was inadequate
and insufficient samples were collected and analysed.
Implementation and enforcement of waste water authorisations
Most incidents reported to the EPA are attributed to either issues surrounding the operation
and management of waste water treatment plants, or a lack of treatment capacity.
59% of the 266 improvement works specified in EPA waste water discharge licences due by
the end of 2012 were reported as complete, while the remainder were still outstanding at the
beginning of 2013.
The EPA conducted independent effluent monitoring at 164 licensed areas in 2012 and
compliance with the limits set in the licenses for seven key water quality parameters ranged
between 86% and 99%.
Improving urban waste water management in Ireland
This report outlines the challenges that remain and the work the EPA considers necessary to ensure
compliance with waste water regulations.
Urban waste water is one of the principal causes of pollution of our water resources. Considerable
investment has been made in the provision of waste water infrastructure throughout the country, as
outlined in the Reform of the Water Sector in Ireland Position Paper. However, further investment in
infrastructure is necessary to meet European Union requirements such as the Urban Waste Water
iv
Treatment Directive and the Water Framework Directive and to ensure compliance with EPA waste
water discharge authorisations. This investment will have many benefits for Ireland, as clean water is
a valuable resource and is important to public health, the tourism industry, food production and other
industrial sectors.
In some cases, where the required infrastructure is in place, operational and maintenance issues
have prevented waste water from being consistently treated to the required standards. Prioritising the
operation and maintenance of treatment plants and collection networks plays an important role in
optimising the performance of waste water works in order to protect receiving water and ensure that
Ireland meets its obligations under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive and the Water
Framework Directive.
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1 Introduction
Waste water must be treated prior to being released back into the environment in order to remove
contaminants that could pose an environmental risk. This report provides a review of the
performance of urban waste water treatment plants and waste water infrastructure in place in Ireland
during 20121. The EPA published the Focus on Urban Waste Water Discharges in Ireland report and
two subsequent update reports during 2012. This report is a follow on from these three reports. The
recommendations in this report add to those from the Focus on Urban Waste Water Discharges in
Ireland. The recommendations will be of key relevance to Irish Water, the new national water utility.
Responsibility for urban waste water collection and treatment transfers from the 34 local authorities to
Irish Water in 20142.
Waste water discharges from water services authority waste water works must be authorised by the
EPA3. The purpose of the authorisation system is to prevent and reduce pollution of waters by waste
water discharges and set out a roadmap towards compliance with the Urban Waste Water Treatment
Directive and the Water Framework Directive. The EPA received applications for waste water
discharge licences for 529 urban areas and applications for certificates of authorisation for 542 areas
and has issued 284 licences and 512 certificates of authorisation4. Compliance with waste water
discharge authorisations is outlined in Chapter 3 of this report.
Where necessary the EPA sets more stringent standards in the licences than those in the Urban
Waste Water Treatment Directive in order to protect the receiving waters, prevent and reduce
environmental pollution and meet standards in European Directives and domestic water quality
objectives. This report deals mainly with the assessment of waste water discharges against the
quality and sampling standards set in the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, using monitoring
data provided to the EPA by the water services authorities. In section 3.3 of this report the results
from EPA monitoring of waste water discharges are assessed against the standards set in the waste
water discharge licences.
1 The report relates principally to discharges from urban areas that are subject to the waste water discharge
licensing programme (i.e. areas with a population equivalent greater than 500). 2 34 County and City Councils acted as water services authorities prior to 2014, with functions relating to the
collection and treatment of urban waste water. From 2014 these functions transfer to a single water services authority, Irish Water. 3 In accordance with the requirements of the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations, discharges
from urban areas with a population equivalent of 500 or more require a waste water discharge licence while discharges from areas below this threshold require a certificate of authorisation. 4 As at 1
st December 2013. The figures exclude applications that were subsequently withdrawn and reviews of
existing authorisations.
Page | 2
2 Waste water treatment infrastructure and effluent
quality in 2012
2.1 Waste water treatment infrastructure
Table 2.1 summarises the number of urban areas subject to the waste water discharge licensing
programme during 2012 and the level of waste water treatment provided at these areas.
Treatment provided for the waste water load (by population equivalent) generated across Ireland
during 2012 is presented in Table 2.25. In 2012 approximately 94% of the national waste water load
received at least secondary treatment.
Table 2.1: Summary of the level of waste water treatment provided in 2012 (by urban area)6
Size of urban area
Number of areas with no treatment
or preliminary treatment
Number of areas with primary
treatment
Number of areas with secondary
treatment
Number of areas with secondary
treatment & nutrient reduction
Total
less than 2,000 p.e.
23 59 161 116 359
from 2,000 to 10,000 p.e.
7 47 44 62 117
Over 10,000 p.e.
58 0 27 33 65
Total 35 63 232 211 541
Table 2.2: Waste water treatment provided for the national waste water load in 2012 (by p.e.)
No treatment or preliminary treatment (%)
Primary treatment (%) Secondary treatment (%)
Secondary treatment & nutrient reduction (%)
4.6 1.5 71.1 22.8
Article 4 of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (hereinafter referred to as “the Directive”)
makes the provision of secondary treatment mandatory at all larger urban areas, i.e. all areas with a
population equivalent greater than 10,000, and areas with a population equivalent between 2,000 and
10,000 that discharge to freshwater or estuaries. 96% of the 170 larger urban areas in Ireland in
2012 complied with this requirement. There were 7 larger urban areas (listed in Table 2.3) without
secondary treatment at the end of 2012, and no treatment or just basic preliminary treatment was
provided at 6 of these (listed in Appendix B). This is a slight improvement from the 11 larger urban
areas without secondary treatment at the end of 2011.
5 Waste water load is the organic biodegradable load in the waste water of an urban area expressed in
population equivalent. This takes into account the load generated by the resident population, the non-resident population (e.g. tourists) and industries. A population equivalent (p.e.) of 1 is defined as the organic biodegradable load having a five-day biochemical oxygen demand of 60g of oxygen per day. 6 Information on the level of treatment provided was supplied to the EPA by the water services authorities.
7 Includes Lusk. This discharge ceased permanently in mid-2012 when it was connected to, and amalgamated
with, Portrane waste water treatment plant which provides secondary treatment. 8 Includes Bray. This discharge ceased permanently in late 2012 when it was connected to, and amalgamated
with, Shanganagh waste water treatment plant which provides secondary treatment.
Page | 3
Table 2.3: Areas where secondary treatment required by the Directive was not provided at the
end of 2012
Water services authority
Urban area Size of urban area
(p.e.)
Receiving water
Date secondary treatment
required by Directive
Estimated completion
date9
Donegal Killybegs 81,382 Estuarine 2000 201510
Galway Clifden 4,779 Estuarine 2005 Mid-201510
Cork Youghal 9,600 Estuarine 2005 End 2015
Cork Cobh 12,000 Coastal 2005 Late 2016
Cork Passage West/Monkstown 7,600 Estuarine 2005 Late 2016
Cork Ringaskiddy/Crosshaven /Carrigaline
39,200 Coastal 2000 Late 2016
Wicklow Arklow 16,997 Coastal 2000 2016
Article 7 of the Directive requires appropriate treatment at all smaller urban areas, i.e. those below the
minimum thresholds outlined previously for larger urban areas11
. 28 smaller urban areas, listed in
Appendix B, have no treatment or basic preliminary treatment in place and these must be upgraded to
provide appropriate treatment. 61 smaller urban areas have primary treatment in place, which may or
may not be appropriate depending on site specific conditions and associated risks.
2.2 Effluent quality at large urban areas
Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total suspended solids
(TSS) are the three water quality indicator parameters most commonly used to assess the
effectiveness of a waste water treatment plant in removing organic contaminants from waste water.
In order to set regulated quality standards on treated waste water or effluent reintroduced to the
environment from urban areas, the Directive specifies limits on the concentration of these three
parameters in the effluent. The Directive also specifies the minimum number of effluent samples to
be collected and analysed on an annual basis.
Water services authorities (i.e. County and City Councils) are responsible for effluent sampling and
analyses and for reporting the results to the EPA. The EPA assesses the results reported to it on an
annual basis against the quality standards and sampling frequencies specified in the Directive, and
reports on the findings. Compliance with the quality and sampling standards in the Directive is
mandatory for discharges from larger urban areas (all areas with a population equivalent greater than
10,000, and areas with a population equivalent between 2,000 and 10,000 that discharge to
freshwater or estuaries).
There were 170 larger urban areas in Ireland in 2012 and these accounted for approximately 93% of
the national waste water load. A summary of compliance of urban waste water discharges from these
areas with the BOD, COD and TSS effluent quality and sampling standards in the Directive is
presented in Figure 2.112
. The rate of compliance at larger urban areas during the years 2009 to
9 Some dates for provision of secondary treatment listed in the Focus on Urban Waste Water Discharges in
Ireland report have been revised outwards since the report was published and the current best estimated dates, as received from the water services authorities, are presented here. 10
EPA enforcement action is on-going in relation to this issue. 11
Appropriate treatment means treatment of urban waste water by any process and/or disposal system which after discharge allows the receiving waters to meet the relevant quality objectives and the relevant provisions of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive and other Community Directives. 12
This refers to the primary discharge from the urban area. Storm water overflows are not included in the assessment. This is in line with the Water Information System for Europe (WISE) reporting.
Page | 4
2011 is also shown in this figure. The trend in improving compliance observed in recent years
continued in 2012.
An insufficient number of sampling results was provided by the water services authorities for waste
water treatment plants serving the following 6 larger urban areas: Rathcormac (Cork), Portrane
(Fingal), Clones (Monaghan), Athy (Kildare), Rathdowney (Laois) and Courtown (Wexford). The first
3 of these previously failed to provide a sufficient number of samples for 2011.
Figure 2.1: Compliance of all 17013
larger urban areas with the effluent quality (BOD, COD &
TSS) and sampling standards in the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive for the period
2009 to 2012
The requirement to comply with the TSS concentration limit in the Directive is optional14
. The national
summary of compliance of urban waste water discharges from the 170 larger urban areas with just
the BOD and COD effluent quality and sampling standards in the Directive is presented in Figure 2.2.
13
170 refers to 2012. The number of larger urban areas (i.e. all areas greater than 10,000 p.e., and areas greater than 2,000 p.e. discharging to freshwater or estuaries) can vary from year to year. The numbers of areas in this category in 2011, 2010 and 2009 were 165, 169 and 174 respectively. 14
Refer to footnote 3 in Table 1 of the Directive. European Commission reports on compliance with secondary treatment standards exclude suspended solids results.
57
63
70
76
33
30
23
19
10
7
7
5
0 100
2009
2010
2011
2012
Percentage
Y
e
a
r
% of urban areas that met the effluent quality & sampling standards
% of urban areas that failed to meet the effluent quality and sampling standards
% of urban areas that failed to meet the effluent quality standards due to lack of secondary treatment
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Figure 2.2: Compliance of all larger urban areas (170 no.) in 2012 with the mandatory effluent
quality (BOD & COD) and sampling standards in the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive
% of the 170 larger urban areas that complied with the standards
% of the total waste water load (in p.e.) at the 170 larger urban areas that complied with the standards
Achieved the effluent quality and sampling standards
Failed to meet the effluent quality and/or sampling standards
Failed to meet the effluent quality standards due to lack of secondary treatment
The improvement in compliance for the total waste water load, up from 35% in 2011 to 92% in 2012,
is due mainly to Ireland’s largest waste water treatment plant at Ringsend, Dublin, which serves a
population equivalent of over 2.3 million, achieving the BOD and COD quality standards during 2012.
2.3 Effluent quality at all urban areas with secondary waste water
treatment
Secondary (biological) treatment was provided at 443 urban areas in 2012 (refer to columns 4 and 5
of Table 2.1). The EPA used the effluent quality and sampling standards in the Directive as a guide to
assess the performance of these secondary treatment plants during 201215
. A national summary of
this assessment is presented in Figure 2.3. The performance of secondary treatment plants during
the years 2009 to 2011 is also shown in this figure. The trend in improving compliance observed in
recent years continued in 2012. However, the national data shows that the operation of existing
plants needs to improve. In order to improve performance and rectify the cause of failures
improvements in operation and maintenance are needed, as well as capital investment to fix
treatment capacity issues.
Sampling carried out at 5% of secondary treatment plants was inadequate. 10 secondary treatment
plants did not achieve the standards in 2012 due solely to providing an insufficient number of effluent
sample results. A further 12 that did not achieve the effluent quality standards in 2012 also failed to
provide a sufficient number of sampling results.
15
The Directive does not specify the minimum number of samples required per year for urban areas with a population equivalent less than 2,000. The EPA set the minimum number of samples required at these areas at either 6, or the number of samples specified in the Waste Water Discharge Licence if this is less than 6.
79%
16% 5%
92%
4% 4%
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Figure 2.3: Assessment of discharges from all 44316
secondary treatment plants against the
effluent quality (BOD, COD & TSS) and sampling standards in the Urban Waste Water
Treatment Directive for the period 2009 to 2012
2.4 Effluent quality at all urban areas
Figure 2.4 provides a summary of the quality of effluent discharges from all urban areas subject to the
waste water discharge licensing programme. While 443 of these urban areas had secondary
treatment in place during 2012 the remaining 98 urban areas (see table 2.1) did not have secondary
treatment17
. Waste water received no treatment or just basic preliminary treatment prior to being
discharged at 35 of these areas18
. Effluent from urban areas with less than secondary treatment is
unlikely to achieve the quality standards specified in the Directive.
16
This figure refers to 2012 and is made up of 232 secondary treatment plants and 211 plants with secondary treatment and nutrient reduction. The numbers of areas in this category in 2011, 2010 and 2009 were 438, 432 and 420 respectively. 17
Includes Lusk & Bray where the discharges ceased permanently during 2012 when waste water was connected to waste water treatment plants with secondary treatment serving adjacent urban areas. 18
Includes Bray which was connected to a secondary treatment plant in late 2012. Does not include a small secondary discharge of 120 p.e from Howth, which is part of the Greater Dublin area.
54
58
64
69
37
39
32
29
9
3
4
2
0 100
2009
2010
2011
2012
Percentage
Y
e
a
r
% of secondary treatment plants that achieved all the effluent quality & sampling standards
% of secondary treatment plants that did not achieve the effluent quality standards
% of secondary treatment plants that did not achieve the standards due solely to insufficient effluentsampling
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Figure 2.4: Assessment of discharges from all urban areas against the effluent quality (BOD,
COD & TSS) and sampling standards in the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive for the
period 2009 to 201219
A summary of urban waste water treatment within each water services authority’s functional area in
2012 in provided in Table 2.4. The table includes details on BOD, COD and TSS monitoring results.
Nutrient data is not addressed in the table, but is covered in the next section of this report. The
results of the 2012 compliance assessment for each urban area are summarised in the county pages
in Appendix A.
19
The effluent quality and sampling standards in the Directive are not a statutory requirement for urban areas <2,000 p.e. discharging to freshwater or estuaries and <10,000 p.e. discharging to coastal water (unless specified in a waste water discharge licence). In the case of the 371 smaller urban areas in 2012 the standards were used by the EPA for comparison purposes as a guide to assess plant performance.
42
46
51
57
31
31
26
23
5
3
4
2
22
20
19
18
0 100
2009
2010
2011
2012
Percentage
Y
e
a
r
Achieved all the effluent quality and sampling standards
Did not achieve the effluent quality standards
Did not achieve the standards due solely to insufficient effluent sampling
Could not achieve the standards due to lack of secondary treatment (Note in some cases the standards maynot apply where primary treatment is in place and it is regarded as appropriate treatment for that location)
Page | 8
Table 2.4: Summary of waste water treatment in 2012 and compliance with BOD, COD and TSS
requirements in each water services authority’s functional area
Water services authority Number of urban areas subject to the
waste water discharge licensing
programme
Number of urban areas without
secondary treatment20
Number of urban areas with secondary
treatment that did not meet the BOD, COD &
TSS standards21
Carlow 11 0 2 (2) ↓
Cavan 16 0 7 (3) ↑
Clare 23 5 3 (2) ↓
Cork City 1 0 0 ↓
Cork County 76 20 21 (14) ↑
Donegal 39 19 12 (6) ↓
Dublin City 122
0 1
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown 1 0 0
Fingal 8 323
2 ↓
Galway City 1 0 0
Galway 22 7 7 (3) ↓
Kerry 25 10 0 ↓
Kildare 13 1 2
Kilkenny 21 6 6 (3) ↓
Laois 14 0 11 (10) ↓
Leitrim 8 0 2 ↓
Limerick City 1 0 0
Limerick 25 5 8 (1) ↓
Longford 6 2 0 ↓
Louth 14 0 0
Mayo 33 3 11 (5) ↑
Meath 23 0 7 (2) ↑
Monaghan 14 0 3 ↓
Offaly 14 0 3 (1) ↑
Roscommon 13 0 6 (3)
Sligo 16 2 6 (3) ↑
Tipperary North 12 0 1 ↓
Tipperary South 14 0 2 (1)
Waterford City 1 0 0 ↓
Waterford 11 6 2
Westmeath 15 0 2 (1) ↓
Wexford 27 6 8 (2) ↓
Wicklow 22 323
2 (1) ↓
Total 541 98 137 (63)
20
In some cases smaller agglomerations may not necessarily require secondary treatment but ‘appropriate treatment’ must be provided; for details refer to footnote 11. 21
The number in parentheses is the number of plants that persistently did not meet the standards during 2012. The arrows indicate whether the number of areas with secondary treatment that did not meet the standards in 2012 was the same as in 2011 (), less than in 2011 (↓) or greater than in 2011 (↑). 22
Waste water arising from some towns within Fingal, South Dublin, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown & Meath County Councils’ functional areas is also treated and discharged from the Dublin City Council plant at Ringsend. 23
One of these areas was connected to an adjacent area with secondary treatment during 2012.
Page | 9
2.5 Assessment of compliance with standards for phosphorus and nitrogen
Secondary treatment alone may not offer sufficient protection to vulnerable receiving waters at risk of
eutrophication24
. In order to protect such waters and to prevent the accumulation of excessive
nutrient loads Article 5(2) of the Directive requires a more stringent level of waste water treatment
(nutrient reduction) to be provided at larger towns and cities (those with a population equivalent
greater than 10,000) discharging directly to sensitive areas25
26
. There were 32 such larger towns and
cities in Ireland where the more stringent treatment criteria applied in 201227
.
The Directive sets limits on the concentration of phosphorus and nitrogen in effluent discharged to
sensitive areas from larger towns and cities. As the receiving waters may not be equally vulnerable to
both phosphorus and nitrogen the Directive specifies that one or both nutrient parameters may apply,
depending on the local situation. The EPA is responsible for determining during the waste water
discharge licensing process which nutrient parameter(s) shall apply28
.
The EPA has determined the nutrient parameter(s) that shall apply at 29 of the 32 larger towns and
cities discharging to sensitive areas. A determination on the nutrient parameter(s) applicable at the
remaining 3 areas has not yet been made and for the purposes of this report a precautionary
approach is taken in relation to these areas, whereby both parameters are assumed to apply on a
provisional basis pending a final decision by the EPA.
A summary of compliance with the nutrient quality and sampling standards in the Directive is
presented in Table 2.5. Effluent was deemed to have failed to comply with the Directive’s
requirements if the annual mean concentration of a given nutrient (phosphorus or nitrogen) in the
effluent exceeded the allowable concentration in the Directive and/or an insufficient number of sample
results were reported to the EPA. The Directive specifies the minimum annual number of samples,
based on the size of the treatment plant.
21 (66%) of the 32 larger towns and cities achieved all the applicable nutrient quality and sampling
standards. Some heavily populated areas did not meet the standards and consequently just 17% of
the total waste water load (in p.e.) discharged to sensitive areas from the 32 larger towns and cities
met all the applicable nutrient quality standards.
Phosphorous requirements applied at 30 of the 32 large urban areas and 77% of these met the
phosphorus standards in 2012. Nitrogen requirements applied at 20 of the 32 large urban areas and
50% of these met the nitrogen standards in 2012.
24
Eutrophication means the enrichment of water by nutrients, especially compounds of nitrogen and/or phosphorus, causing an accelerated growth of algae and higher forms of plant life to produce an undesirable disturbance to the balance of organisms present in the water and to the quality of the water. 25
Sensitive areas are listed in the Urban Waste Water Treatment (Amendment) Regulations 2010 S.I. No. 48 of 2010. A water body is identified as sensitive if it (i) is eutrophic (ii) may become eutrophic if protective action is not taken or (iii) is intended for abstraction of drinking water and contains more than 50 mg/l of nitrates. 26
This section covers larger towns and cities reported as discharging directly to sensitive areas. Urban areas
discharging to the catchments of sensitive areas, where they may have an impact on those areas, are covered by Article 5(5) of the Directive and these discharges are not dealt with here in this assessment. Monaghan and Killarney were included in this section of previous EPA reports on urban waste water treatment but are not included here as the primary discharge is outside of the sensitive area. 27
Excludes Drogheda and Clonakilty. The receiving waters for discharges from these 2 areas were designated as sensitive areas by S.I. No. 48 of 2010 however the Regulations require nutrient reduction to be provided by 22/12/2016. As they have been given a specific period of time to meet the nutrient reduction requirements they are not included in the 2012 nutrient assessment. 28
The EPA was assigned this responsibility under S.I. No. 48 of 2010.
Page | 10
Table 2.5: Compliance in 2012 with the Directive’s quality and sampling standards for nutrients
in waste water discharged to sensitive areas from larger towns and cities (>10,000 p.e.)
Water services authority
Urban area Reg. No. Phosphorus pass or fail in
2012
Reason for fail
Nitrogen pass or fail in 2012
Reason for fail
Carlow Carlow town D0028-01 Pass Refer to note 29
Cavan Cavan D0020-01 Fail Quality Fail Quality
Clare Ennis North D0048-01 Pass Pass
Cork City Cork City
D0033-01 Refer to note 29 Fail Quality
Cork County Carrigtohill30
D0044-01 Fail Quality Fail Quality
Cork County Fermoy
D0058-01 Pass Refer to note 29
Cork County Mallow
D0052-01 Pass Pass
Cork County Midleton D0056-01 Refer to note 29 Pass
Donegal Killybegs30
D0011-01 Fail Quality Fail Quality
Dublin City Greater Dublin D0034-01 Fail Quality Fail Quality
Fingal Swords
D0024-01 Pass Pass
Kerry Tralee D0040-01 Pass Fail Sample no.
Kildare Athy
D0003-01 Pass Refer to note 29
Kildare Leixlip
D0004-01 Pass Refer to note 29
Kildare Osberstown
D0002-01 Pass Refer to note 29
Kilkenny Kilkenny City D0018-01 Fail Quality Refer to note 29
Laois Portarlington30
D0158-01 Fail No results Fail No results
Laois Portlaoise D0001-01 Pass Pass
Longford Longford D0060-01 Pass Pass
Louth Dundalk D0053-01 Fail Quality Fail Quality
Mayo Castlebar D0047-01 Pass Refer to note 29
Meath Navan D0059-01 Pass Fail Quality
Monaghan Carrickmacross
D0062-01 Pass Refer to note 29
Offaly Tullamore D0039-01 Pass Refer to note 29
Tipperary NR Nenagh D0027-01 Pass Pass
Tipperary NR Roscrea D0025-01 Pass Fail Quality
Tipperary NR Thurles
D0026-01 Pass Refer to note 29
Tipperary SR Clonmel D0035-01 Pass Pass
Westmeath Athlone D0007-01 Pass Refer to note 29
Westmeath Mullingar D0008-01 Pass Refer to note 29
Wexford Enniscorthy D0029-01 Pass Pass
Wexford Wexford town D0030-01 Pass Pass
The table above shows that 11 areas failed to meet all the nutrient quality and sampling standards.
Details on the infrastructure in place at these urban areas and the reasons for the failures is
summarised below:
Nutrient reduction for nitrogen and phosphorus was not in place in 2012 at 6 of the areas that
failed the quality standards. Nutrient reduction (to reduce phosphorus) was subsequently
provided at one of these, Kilkenny City, during 2013. The remaining 5 areas that did not have
any nutrient reduction in place, with estimated completion dates in brackets for provision of
this treatment, are: Dundalk (Mid-2014), Carrigtohill (Mid-2015), Cork City (Sept 2015),
29
In accordance with S.I. No. 48 of 2010, and taking into account the local situation, the EPA determined during the licensing process that this parameter does not apply. 30
Pending a determination by the EPA on the appropriate nutrient parameter(s) that shall apply a precautionary approach is taken whereby both are assumed to apply on a provisional basis.
Page | 11
Killybegs (2015) and Greater Dublin-Ringsend (Not available) 31
. In these cases secondary
treatment is in place, except for Killybegs where there is no treatment32
.
Cavan, Navan and Roscrea failed the quality standards for nitrogen and did not provide
nutrient reduction for nitrogen, but did have more stringent treatment to reduce phosphorus.
The estimated date for provision of nutrient reduction for nitrogen at Navan is early 2014, at
Cavan it is the end of 2014 and a date is not available for Roscrea.
Tralee failed because an insufficient number of nitrogen results were provided.
Portarlington exceeded the 10,000 p.e. threshold for the first time during 2012 and failed
because no nutrient monitoring was carried out and nutrient reduction is not provided.
The treatment provided at Ennis North, Enniscorthy and Tralee is reported as secondary
treatment only. Monitoring data indicates that the existing treatment provided at these plants is
achieving the nutrient quality standards33
.
While more stringent treatment for nitrogen is not provided at Mallow, Longford, Nenagh and
Clonmel the existing treatment is achieving the nitrogen quality standards in the Directive.
31
Some dates for provision of treatment given in the Focus on Urban Waste Water Discharges in Ireland report
have been revised outwards since the report was published and the current best estimated dates, as provided by the water services authorities, are presented here. 32
42,366 p.e. discharged to the sensitive area at Killybegs in 2012 and 39,016 p.e. discharged outside the sensitive area. 33
In the case of Tralee the nitrogen assessment is based on 8 sample results provided by the water services authority for 2012. 24 samples were required as the plant is > 50,000 p.e. The estimated timeframe for the provision of nutrient reduction at Ennis North is mid-2015 and at Enniscorthy it is the end of 2016.
Page | 12
3 Enforcement of waste water discharge authorisations
in 2012
EPA waste water discharge authorisations contain legally binding conditions and compliance with
these conditions plays a key role in protecting water resources and the aquatic environment. This
chapter outlines how water services authorities have complied with the conditions of their
authorisations in 2012.
The EPA takes a risk based and outcome driven approach to licence enforcement with resources
targeted where they are most effective. The outcome sought is to protect high quality waters from the
impacts of waste water discharges, restore the quality of waters seriously impacted by waste water
discharges, prevent environmental pollution by waste water discharges and improve compliance with
the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. The EPA enforcement strategy focuses on the following
five intermediate outcomes34
in working towards the final goal.
Progress on infrastructural improvements required by the licence.
Reducing the environmental risk profile of waste water works.
Compliance with emission limit values where infrastructure is in place.
Reducing environmental incidents and complaints.
Comprehensive and accurate reporting by water services authorities to the EPA.
3.1 Progress on infrastructural improvements required by the licence
Waste water discharge licences include a requirement to carry out infrastructural improvements within
certain timeframes in order to improve waste water discharges and reduce their environmental
impact. Such improvements typically include upgrades to the waste water treatment plant, the storm
water overflows and/or the waste water collection network and the cessation of certain discharges.
Two thirds of EPA licences issued by 01/12/2013 have requirements for infrastructural improvements, with approximately 700 individual improvement works specified.
Dates prescribed for completion of the works range between 2009 and 2021, with half of the improvements due prior to 2014.
59% of the 266 individual improvements due before the end of 2012 were reported as complete, while the remainder were still outstanding at the beginning of 2013.
The works completed by the end of 2012 include the cessation of over 60 discharges, improvements
to waste water collection networks at approximately 25 urban areas and significant upgrades to over
20 waste water treatment plants. Some important infrastructural works necessary to improve waste
water discharges are still overdue, e.g. new treatment plants at Clifden, Killybegs and Bundoran.
These must be addressed as a priority, particularly if non-completion of the work results in waste
water discharging without treatment or causing a public health risk. The EPA has commenced legal
actions in relation to delays in the provision of infrastructure at three urban areas.
3.2 The environmental risk profile of the waste water works
The EPA developed a Dynamic Risk Enforcement Assessment Methodology (DREAM) to assist with
risk based enforcement of waste water discharge licences. The risk assessment is carried out
34
Intermediate outcomes are the key stepping stones or targets that must be achieved in order to secure a final goal. They relate to the environmental behaviour or compliance level of the regulated community and are the core short to medium term focus of outcome based enforcement.
Page | 13
annually by the EPA and each urban area is assigned to one of four enforcement categories, based
on risk scores for each of the following:
Level of waste water treatment provided.
Effluent quality.
Impact of waste water discharges on the receiving waters.
Proximity to sensitive environments such as bathing waters or shellfish waters.
Compliance with the waste water discharge licence.
Integrity of the collection network.
The risk assessment results are used to determine the annual enforcement fee to be paid by the
licence holder for its waste water discharge licence and to set the number of EPA audits to be carried
out at each area. Higher fees are charged to urban areas in the higher enforcement categories and
EPA enforcement resources are targeted at such areas. Table 3.1 shows how the licensed sites were
divided between the four enforcement categories at the end of 2012.
Table 3.1: Percentage of licensed urban areas assigned to each enforcement category
Very High High Medium Low
18% 22% 21% 39%
3.2.1 Making a difference to water quality
The following 10 criteria are used by the EPA to identify waste water works where infrastructure or
operational improvements or best practice in operation will make a difference to water quality, protect
sensitive areas, reduce public health risks from effluent discharges and ensure compliance with the
infrastructure requirements of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive:
1. Serious pollution: Seriously polluted river locations where the source of pollution is attributed to
urban waste water discharges.
2. Bathing water failure: Designated bathing waters where urban waste water discharges are the
principle or a contributory factor to poor water quality status.
3. Moderate or slight pollution: Moderately or slightly polluted river locations where there is a high
probability that the principle cause of pollution can be attributed to urban waste water discharges.
4. Pearl mussel catchment: Waste water works prioritised to protect freshwater pearl mussel
catchments.
5. Pressure on shellfish water: Urban waste water works identified in Pollution Reduction
Programmes as key pressures on designated shellfish waters.
6. Secondary or tertiary treatment required by the Directive is overdue: Urban areas where
secondary treatment or nutrient reduction is required by the Directive but is not yet in operation.
7. No treatment or preliminary treatment only: Urban areas where waste water receives no
treatment or just basic preliminary treatment. These areas require appropriate treatment under
the Directive.
8. Risk to drinking water abstraction points: Waste water works that have been identified as a
high risk to a drinking water abstraction point as part of the preparation of a Drinking Water Safety
Plan.
9. Risk to estuarine or coastal waters: Waste water works which, in the opinion of the EPA, are
impacting on the Water Framework Directive status of estuarine or coastal waters
10. Environmental pollution risk: Waste water works which, in the opinion of the EPA, should be
Page | 14
prioritised for other site specific reasons, including any waste water works identified as failing
mandatory effluent quality or sampling standards in the Directive, causing environmental pollution
or causing a significant risk of eutrophication in sensitive waters.
3.3 Compliance with emission limit values in licences
Chapter 2 of this report assesses water services authority self-monitoring results against the quality
and sampling standards set in the Directive. This section covers an assessment of EPA monitoring
results against the allowable limits set in each licence. The limits set in the licences may be more
stringent than those in the Directive if deemed necessary to protect the receiving waters and/or public
health.
The EPA conducts an annual programme of independent monitoring of urban waste water discharges
at licensed sites. Monitoring involves taking a discrete sample of treated waste water or effluent,
analysing the sample in a laboratory for various water quality parameters, and comparing the results
with allowable limits for effluent quality set out in the waste water discharge licence. Compliance with
effluent quality limits is one of the key drivers to protect waters from the impacts of waste water
discharges.
In 2012 the EPA monitoring programme comprised visits to 164 waste water treatment plants with
licensed waste water discharges, and the collection of 174 effluent samples. The analysis relates
only to routine EPA monitoring conducted at plants where waste water receives secondary treatment,
or more stringent treatment, prior to discharge. The EPA monitoring programme does not include
routine monitoring of effluent from plants with less than secondary treatment, as effluent from such
plants is unlikely to be of high quality and confirmation of this through independent EPA monitoring is
not required35
. Table 3.2 summarises the EPA effluent monitoring conducted during 2012.
Table 3.2: Analysis of EPA effluent monitoring in 2012 at plants with secondary treatment or
more stringent treatment
No. of secondary or more
stringent treatment plants
visited
No. of plants that met all
the effluent quality limits
in the licence
No. of effluent
samples
analysed
No. of samples that met all
of the effluent quality limits
in the licence
164 132 (80%) 174 140 (80%)
Each effluent sample was analysed for a number of different parameters. Compliance with the
allowable limits set in the licences for the water quality parameters of biochemical oxygen demand
(BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), suspended solids, ammonia, total phosphorus,
orthophosphate and total nitrogen is shown in Figure 3.1.
The compliance rate for total nitrogen was up 1% when compared with the results from the EPA
monitoring programme in 2011, while compliance for all other parameters was down by between 1%
and 3% on the 2011 results36
. The 2012 assessment was based on a dataset of 164 plants, while the
2011 assessment was based on 135 plants.
35
Audits of waste water works with no treatment plants or with primary treatment are carried out but effluent samples are not generally taken during such audits. 28 audits were carried out at 25 different waste water works with less than secondary treatment during 2012. In many cases these licences require secondary treatment to be installed within a specified timeframe, unless the existing treatment is considered to be appropriate at that particular location. 36
The 2011 data is presented on pages 12 and 13 of the Urban Waste Water Treatment in 2011 update report.
Page | 15
Figure 3.1: EPA monitoring results for 2012 showing percentage compliance with allowable
licence limits at plants with secondary treatment
The EPA carried out a total of 851 tests for the key parameters on the 174 effluent samples collected
during 2012 and assessed the results against the allowable limits in the licences. 48 of the results
breached the allowable limits. This equates to an overall compliance rate with these tests of 94%,
which is slightly down from 95% in 2011.
3.4 Environmental incidents and complaints
An incident is any discharge that does not comply with the requirements of a waste water discharge
licence or any occurrence at a waste water works with the potential for environmental contamination
or requiring an emergency response by the water services authority. Waste water discharge licence
and certificate of authorisation holders must report all incidents to the EPA as soon as practicable
after occurrence. Guidance on the types of incidents that must be reported is available on the EPA
website.
In 2012 the EPA received 568 incident notifications in relation to 121 licences and 13
certificates of authorisation37
. The EPA opens compliance investigations to follow up on
significant issues and 73 of the incidents from 2012, relating to 20 different licences, are
linked with 20 open compliance investigations38
. Most of the incidents linked with open
compliance investigations are attributed to a lack of treatment capacity.
Approximately 70% of incidents were listed as breaches of allowable limits or trigger levels.
The remainder were mainly listed as spillages or uncontrolled releases.
The root causes of all incidents, as identified by the water services authorities, are
summarised in Figure 3.2.
No incidents were reported in 2012 for 97% of the certificates and 44% of the licences.
Most incidents are attributed to either issues surrounding the operation and management of the waste
water treatment plant, or a lack of treatment capacity. Investment is required in infrastructure and a
step change is needed in the operation and maintenance of treatment plants in order to reduce
incidents.
37
A few licences with recurring incidents are not required to report each recurring incident individually to the EPA but must provide regular reports on the incidents and progress in addressing them. Such incidents are not included in these figures. 38
Compliance investigations open as at 10th
December 2013.
96 99 96 86 90 94 95
0
20
40
60
80
100
BOD COD SuspendedSolids
Ammonia TotalPhosphorus
Orthophosphate Total Nitrogen
Perc
en
tag
e C
om
pli
an
ce
Page | 16
Figure 3.2: Causes of incidents reported to the EPA in 2012
In 2012 the EPA received 50 complaints about licensed or certified waste water works. Over three
quarters of the complaints relate to sewage discharges, with the remainder relating mostly to odours
or air emissions. The complaints are associated with 25 licensed waste water works and 4 with
certificates of authorisation. 14 of the complaints from 2012, linked with 6 different waste water
works, have not been closed out39
and Lifford waste water works in Co. Donegal accounts for over
half of these. Infrastructural improvements are necessary to address the issues that gave rise to most
of the open complaints from 2012.
3.5 Comprehensive and accurate reporting by water services authorities
to the EPA
Water services authorities are required to submit an Annual Environmental Report to the EPA for
each licensed urban area. This is an important reporting tool and provides an annual update on
licence compliance, the status and performance of the waste water works, and any associated
environmental risks or impacts. The reports can be viewed on the EPA website.
Reports for 2012 were received for approximately 80% of licensed urban areas by
31/07/201340
. The quality of the reports varied considerably. In some cases licensees
advised that they did not include all the necessary information due to a lack of resources.
Meath County Council failed to submit any Annual Environmental Reports for 201241
.
There were almost 1,000 storm water overflow discharge points at licensed urban areas in
201242
. An assessment of their performance against national criteria is required in the Annual
Environmental Report43
. An adequate assessment was not provided by water services
39
As at 10th
December 2013. 40
The due date for the reports was 28th
February 2013. 41
As at 10th
December 2013. 42
A storm water overflow is an outlet on the sewerage system designed to relieve the system of excess flow collected as a result of heavy rain. The excess flow bypasses the treatment plant and discharges to receiving waters via the storm water overflow. Without such overflow mechanisms the waste water treatment works and private properties could be at risk of flooding during and after rainstorms. 43
Discharges from storm water overflows are diluted with significant volumes of rainfall, however they may still have the potential to impact on the environment and consequently they must be designed to meet certain criteria and standards. These are set out in the Department of the Environment ‘Procedures and Criteria in relation to Storm Water Overflows’.
35%
34%
17%
9% 5%
WWTP management issues
WWTP capacity issues
Adverse weather
Sewer network management
Other
Page | 17
authorities for many overflows. This information gap highlights a need for improved data
collection, assessment and awareness of the operation and management of overflows. The
EPA and the Water Services Training Group are developing guidance and training on the
management and operation of waste water overflows to address this issue.
Approximately 15% of reports concluded that the treatment plant was overloaded.
3.6 EPA audits
The EPA carried out approximately 200 audits at licensed waste water works in 2012 to determine
compliance with licence requirements. Non-compliance rates in relation to 9 key areas assessed
during the audits are illustrated in Figure 3.3. Results from the 2011 audit programme are also
presented in this figure. The audit findings from 2012 indicate slight improvements across most areas
examined by the EPA.
Figure 3.3: Percentage non-compliance with key licence requirements identified during 2011
and 2012 EPA audits44
44
Maintenance programmes were not assessed during the 2011 audits.
24
27
13
13
12
17
16
26
19
13
10
15
13
7
14
17
21
0 10 20 30
Public Awareness & CommunicationProgramme
Emergency Response Procedure
Non-reporting of incidents
Maintenance programme
Sampling to licence requirements
Composite sampler maintenance
Provision of composite sampler
Calibration of flow meter
Provision of a flow meter
Percentage of audits that were non-compliant
2012
2011
Page | 18
4 Certificates of authorisation
A certificate of authorisation is required for waste water discharges from water services authority
waste water works that serve areas with a population equivalent of less than 500. The EPA has
granted 512 certificates of authorisation, covering waste water discharges from a total population
equivalent of approximately 92,500. The size of the areas ranges between 5 p.e. and 495 p.e., with a
mean of 180 p.e. Figure 4.1 summarises the size of the areas45
.
Figure 4.1: Size of areas covered by certificates of authorisation
The level of waste water treatment provided at the areas subject to a certificate of authorisation is
outlined in Table 4.1. Waste water receives at least secondary treatment prior to discharge at
approximately 70% of these areas46
. 73% of the total waste water load (by population equivalent)
from areas with a certificate of authorisation receives at least secondary treatment.
Table 4.1: Waste water treatment provided at areas subject to a certificate of authorisation
No treatment Primary treatment At least secondary treatment
Number of certificates of authorisation
947
14748
356
80% of certificates of authorisation discharge to surface water (i.e. river, stream, lake, transitional or
coastal water), 18% discharge to ground and 2% have discharges to both surface water and ground.
In terms of population equivalent, approximately 93% of the waste water load from areas with a
certificate of authorisation discharges to surface waters.
45
Information such as the size of the area and the type of treatment was provided to the EPA by water services authorities during the certificate of authorisation application process. 46
Areas subject to a certificate of authorisation may not necessarily require secondary treatment but ‘appropriate treatment’ must be provided. Refer to footnote 11. 47
Includes 1 area served by private on-site treatment plants and the certificate application relates to a planned municipal treatment plant; 2 where some waste water discharges without treatment and some receives primary treatment; 2 where some waste water discharges without treatment and some receives secondary treatment; and 1 where some waste water discharges without treatment, some receives primary treatment and some receives secondary treatment. The 9 areas are listed in Appendix B. 48
Includes 13 areas with more than 1 waste water treatment plant where some waste water receives primary treatment and some receives secondary treatment prior to discharge.
132
74
112
77 62 55
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
<50 51 to 100 101 to 200 201 to 300 301 to 400 401 to 500
No
. o
f c
ert
s o
f a
uth
ori
sa
tio
n
Size of area (p.e.)
Page | 19
The treatment capacity status, determined by comparing the waste water load (or population
equivalent) with the design capacity of the treatment plant, is summarised in Figure 4.249
.
Figure 4.2: Capacity status of all treatment plants at certificate of authorisation sites
Capacity status of all secondary treatment plants
Capacity status of all primary treatment plants
Waste water load (in p.e.) less than plant capacity Waste water load (in p.e.) = plant capacity Waste water load (in p.e.) greater than plant capacity Capacity status unknown
At 86 certificate of authorisation sites a treatment plant is reportedly overloaded or operating above
capacity, i.e. the waste water load (in p.e.) exceeds the design capacity of the treatment plant. It is
the responsibility of the certificate of authorisation holder to maintain available treatment capacity to
ensure that there is no environmental risk posed to the receiving water environment as a result of the
discharge and to upgrade the waste water works where there is inadequate treatment capacity.
Where waste water discharges may have a potential to impact on vulnerable receptors the certificate
of authorisation holder is required to carry out an assessment of the impact of the discharge on such
receptors and to take any action necessary to minimise potential impacts. 50 certificates of
authorisation require ecological assessments to protect freshwater pearl mussels, 24 require risk
assessments to protect downstream drinking water abstraction points and 16 require microbiological
assessments to protect designated shellfish waters.
49
The capacity status is reported as unknown where the plant size and/or the waste water load (p.e.) entering the plant is unknown.
72%
7%
14% 7%
39%
24%
22%
15%
Page | 20
5 Sewage Sludge
Sewage sludge is a by-product of the waste water treatment process and includes biosolids removed
from waste water during treatment as well as residual organic matter used in the treatment process.
The treatment plants covered in this report produced a collective total of 72,429 tonnes of sewage
sludge (dry solids) during 201250
. Destination routes for the sludge are summarised in Table 6.1.
Most of the sewage sludge produced in 2012 was treated and then reused on agricultural land as a
fertiliser or soil enhancer.
Table 6.1: Sewage sludge destination routes in 2012
Agriculture Composting and other uses
Landfill Total
Quantity (tonnes dry solids)
68,329
(94.3%)
4,096
(5.7%)
4
(<0.01%)
72,429
The total quantity of sewage sludge produced in 2012 by each water services authority is shown in
Appendix C.
50
Based on information reported to the EPA by the water services authorities.
Page | 21
6 Recommendations
Urban waste water is one of the principal causes of water pollution in Ireland and continued financial
investment in waste water infrastructure is vital to ensure that infrastructural improvements specified
in licences are completed in a timely manner and that Ireland meets its obligations under the Urban
Waste Water Treatment Directive and the Water Framework Directive. Complying with the conditions
of waste water discharge authorisations and meeting the effluent quality standards in the
authorisations plays a key role in protecting our water resources.
The EPA enforcement strategy focuses on five intermediate outcomes. These outcomes can be
applied to all urban areas, both licensed and at application stage. The EPA makes the following
recommendations in relation to actions to achieve these intermediate outcomes.
6.1 Progress on infrastructural improvements
The provision of secondary treatment for the 7 urban areas in Table 2.3 that did not have the
required level of treatment at the time of reporting should be progressed as a matter of
priority.
Nutrient reduction must be provided at the 8 urban areas greater than 10,000 p.e. that failed
the nutrient quality standards and continue to discharge to sensitive areas in the absence of
the necessary nutrient reduction (see section 2.5).
Appropriate treatment should be provided at the 28 smaller urban areas where waste water is
discharged with either no treatment or preliminary treatment only. For the 61 smaller
agglomerations with primary treatment in place, it must be determined whether primary
treatment is appropriate treatment. This must be decided on a site specific basis.
National capacity for sludge treatment needs to improve and the future needs reviewed in
light of the legislation to control on-site waste water treatment systems.
6.2 Reducing the environmental risk profile of waste water works
Prioritising any necessary infrastructure improvements or upgrades and implementing best
operational practice at waste water works are important steps to take in order to improve
water quality, protect sensitive areas, reduce public health risks from effluent discharges and
ensure compliance with the requirements of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, the
Water Framework Directive and EPA waste water discharge authorisations.
6.3 Compliance with effluent quality standards
The operation of waste water works that did not meet the mandatory effluent quality
standards in the Directive in 2012 (highlighted in Appendix A) should be optimised to improve
effluent quality.
Failures due to insufficient sampling should be eliminated.
Key equipment necessary to monitor plant performance, such as flow meters, telemetry and
alarms, should be installed where necessary and maintained.
Training and up-skilling of plant operators should be examined in order to improve the
management and operation of waste water treatment plants.
Page | 22
6.4 Environmental incidents and complaints
Maintenance and operation programmes should be put in place for all plant and equipment to
ensure the correct operation of the waste water works at all times and to prevent
environmental pollution. These programmes also serve to improve effluent quality. This
programme should also address the provision of back up equipment (duty and standby) such
as mobile generators and pumps.
All environmental complaints should be dealt with in accordance with the national
environmental complaints procedure.
6.5 Comprehensive and accurate reporting to the EPA
Sampling and analyses should be carried out using the methods specified in the licence. In
particular, time-based twenty-four hour or flow-proportional composite samples should be
taken.
A nationwide summary of the assessment of storm water overflows against national
standards and criteria should be collated by Irish Water and submitted to the EPA in order to
address current information gaps. Non-compliant storm water overflows should be upgraded
or decommissioned in line with the requirements of EPA waste water discharge
authorisations.
Page | 23
Appendix A: County reports.
Explanatory note on assessment of compliance with standards for BOD, COD and
suspended solids.
The results of the 2012 compliance assessment for discharges from all urban areas that are subject
to the waste water discharge licensing programme (i.e. areas with a population equivalent (p.e.)
greater than 50051
), based on data provided by the water services authorities to the EPA, are
summarised in this Appendix. The data is organised in alphabetical order, by water services
authority, and contains the following information:
Urban area: The name of the city, town or village where the waste water arose, or the name of the
waste water treatment plant where the waste water was treated.
Reg. No.: The reference number of the waste water discharge licence or application for the urban
area. Water services authorities must apply to the EPA for a licence authorising discharges from
waste water works serving urban areas with a population equivalent greater than 500. Further
information on all licence applications and all licences issued by the EPA can be viewed on the EPA
website by clicking here.
Pass or Fail:
Pass – the 2012 results met the standards set in the Directive for effluent quality52
, and a sufficient
number of effluent samples were collected, analysed and reported to the EPA.
Fail – the 2012 results did not meet the standards set in the Directive for effluent quality and/or an
insufficient number of effluent samples was collected, analysed and reported to the EPA.
No secondary53
– waste water received no treatment or a basic level of treatment (i.e. preliminary
treatment or primary treatment) prior to discharge and consequently the effluent could not achieve the
quality standards specified in the Directive.
Reason for failure: This refers to plants with at least secondary treatment that did not meet the
standards set in the Directive.
Quality – the discharge did not achieve the quality standards set in Annex I to the Directive for at least
one of the following parameters (i) biochemical oxygen demand, (ii) chemical oxygen demand and (iii)
total suspended solids. A failure for quality implies that the waste water treatment works did not
perform to an acceptable standard on at least one sampling occasion during the year.
Sample no. – an insufficient number of effluent samples was collected, analysed and reported to the
EPA. The minimum number of samples required for urban areas with a population equivalent greater
than 2,000 is set in Annex 1.D to the Directive. The EPA requires a minimum of 6 samples per year
from areas subject to the waste water discharge licensing programme with a population equivalent
less than 2,000, or else the number of samples specified in the waste water discharge licence if this is
less than 6.
51
In some cases water services authorities applied for a licence for urban areas with a population equivalent below the 500 p.e. threshold in anticipation of future increases in the organic biodegradable load collected within the waste water works. Such areas are included in Appendix A. 52
Quality standards in this section refer to the standards for BOD, COD & TSS only; compliance with quality standards for nutrients is summarised in table 2.5. The quality standards are mandatory for waste water from urban areas >2,000 p.e. discharging to freshwater or estuaries and >10,000 p.e. discharging to coastal waters. In the case of smaller urban areas below the Directive thresholds the EPA applied the quality standards as a guide to assess the performance of the waste water works. 53
Secondary treatment is mandatory for urban areas >2,000 p.e. discharging to freshwater or estuaries and >10,000 p.e. discharging to coastal waters. Smaller urban areas below these thresholds require appropriate treatment, which means treatment by any process and/or disposal system which after discharge allows the receiving waters to meet relevant quality objectives and relevant provisions of European Directives.
Page | 24
Persistent failures: A tick mark indicates that at least half of the effluent samples from a plant with
secondary treatment did not achieve all of the relevant quality standards in 2012. This is indicative of
poor plant performance or overloading of the treatment plant.
Urban area (p.e.): An estimate by the water services authority of the waste water load collected in the
waste water works. This should be calculated on the basis of the maximum average weekly load
entering the waste water works during the year, excluding unusual situations such as those due to
heavy rain.
WWTP (p.e.): A measure of the organic biodegradable load and the population equivalent that the
waste water treatment plant was designed and constructed to deal with.
Level of treatment provided: The level of treatment that the waste water received prior to
discharge.
No treatment – waste water was discharged without receiving any treatment.
Preliminary – a basic form of treatment typically designed to remove floating debris, oils, fats, grease,
grit, rags and large solids from the raw waste water.
Primary – a physical process that involves the settling out and removal of a proportion of the
suspended, generally organic, matter from the raw waste water and a consequential reduction in
biochemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids.
Secondary – takes place after the primary treatment process and involves a biological process
whereby organic matter in the waste water is broken down and consumed by microorganisms.
Secondary & nutrient reduction – in addition to secondary treatment, nutrients such as phosphorous
and/or nitrogen are removed from the waste water in order to minimise the risk of eutrophication in
waters receiving the final effluent.
Receiving water: The type of water body into which the waste water was discharged.
Sensitive area: A tick mark indicates that the primary discharge point is located within a designated
sensitive area. The legislation identifying sensitive areas can be viewed by clicking here. Criteria for
identifying sensitive areas (e.g. waters that are eutrophic or may become eutrophic unless protected)
are set out in Annex II to the Directive.
River Basin District: The River Basin District into which the waste water discharged.
Compliance with quality and sampling standards in the Directive is mandatory for all larger urban
areas, however the suspended solids requirement is optional. The 44 larger urban areas that did not
meet the standards for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) and,
where applicable, total phosphorus and total nitrogen, are highlighted in red in this Appendix.
Page | 25
Carlow County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Ballon D0247-01 Pass 750 1,200 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Borris D0248-01 Pass 1,200 1,500 Secondary River South Eastern
Carlow town D0028-01 Pass 31,788 36,000 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Fenagh D0246-01 Pass 950 1,500 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Hacketstown D0243-01 Fail Quality 1,170 600 Secondary River South Eastern
Muinebheag D0090-01 Pass 5,000 4,500 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Myshal D0390-01 Pass 400 800 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Palatine D0391-01 Pass 522 1,000 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Rathoe D0240-01 Pass 350 2,000 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Rathvilly D0237-01 Fail Quality 1,000 600 Secondary River South Eastern
Tullow D0091-01 Pass 4,800 4,000 Secondary River South Eastern
Clonegal was listed in previous annual assessments but is no longer included as the waste water discharge licence for this area has been withdrawn.
Page | 26
Cavan County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Arvagh D0497-01 Fail Quality 905 1,200 Secondary & nutrient River N. Western
Bailieborough D0085-01 Pass 2,577 2,500 Secondary & nutrient River Eastern
Ballinagh D0501-01 Fail Quality 1,483 1,800 Secondary & nutrient River N. Western
Ballyconnell D0253-01 Fail Quality 1,608 3,000 Secondary & nutrient River N. Western
Ballyhaise D0496-01 Pass 780 905 Secondary & nutrient River N. Western
Ballyjamesduff D0256-01 Pass 1,930 2,200 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Belturbet D0084-01 Pass 2,266 4,000 Secondary & nutrient River N. Western
Blacklion D0498-01 Fail Quality 768 1,025 Secondary & nutrient Lake N. Western
Cavan D0020-01 Pass54
28,191 20,565 Secondary & nutrient River N. Western
Cootehill D0082-01 Fail Quality 2,072 2,756 Secondary & nutrient River N. Western
Killeshandra D0499-01 Pass 922 1,000 Secondary & nutrient Lake N. Western
Kilnaleck D0500-01 Fail Quality 831 650 Secondary & nutrient River N. Western
Kingscourt D0083-01 Pass 2,335 2,400 Secondary & nutrient River Neagh Bann
Mullagh D0252-01 Fail Quality 1,080 3,000 Secondary & nutrient River Eastern
Shercock D0495-01 Pass 812 1,000 Secondary & nutrient Lake N. Western
Virginia D0255-01 Pass 2,363 2,000 Secondary & nutrient Lake Eastern
54
Cavan did not meet the mandatory quality standards for nitrogen and phosphorus set in the Directive.
Page | 27
Clare County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Ballyvaughan D0327-01 No secondary 650 No treatment Coastal Western
Clarecastle D0322-01 No secondary 1,000 No treatment Estuarine Shannon
Corofin D0434-01 Pass 500 1,725 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Crusheen D0424-01 Pass 420 1,000 Secondary River Shannon
Doonbeg D0324-01 Pass 1,340 1,500 Secondary & UV Coastal Shannon
Ennis North D0048-01 Pass 14,200 17,000 Secondary River 55 Shannon
Ennis South D0199-01 Pass 2,200 6,000 Secondary River Shannon
Ennistymon D0081-01 Pass 1,200 2,000 Secondary River Shannon
Inagh D0422-01 Pass 270 550 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Kilkee D0078-01 No secondary 6,000 No treatment Coastal Shannon
Kilkishen D0420-01 Pass 390 750 Secondary & nutrient Lake Shannon
Kilrush D0075-01 No secondary 2,600 No treatment Coastal Shannon
Lahinch D0080-01 Pass 1,300 8,400 Secondary River Shannon
Liscannor D0430-01 No secondary 620 No treatment Coastal Shannon
Lisdoonvarna D0077-01 Pass 1,050 5,000 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Milltown Malbay D0321-01 Fail Quality 1,360 1,360 Secondary River Shannon
Newmarket on Fergus
D0079-01 Pass 3,500 5,000 Secondary & nutrient Lake Shannon
Quilty/Kilmurry/ Ibrickane
D0536-01 Pass 200 1,365 Secondary & UV Coastal Shannon
Quin D0318-01 Fail56
Quality 1,200 740 Secondary River Shannon
Scarriff D0319-01 Pass 1,300 1,400 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
55
Designated as a sensitive area by the Urban Waste Water Treatment (Amendment) Regulations 2010. Nutrient reduction required by 22nd
December 2012. 56
Fail for suspended solids only. The Directive sets a limit for this parameter but notes that the requirement is optional.
Page | 28
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Shannon Town D0045-01 Fail Quality 11,940 12,500 Secondary Estuarine Shannon
Sixmilebridge D0076-01 Pass 2,300 3,000 Secondary River Shannon
Tulla D0320-01 Pass 720 2,000 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Cork City Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Cork City D0033-01 Pass57
284,696 413,000 Secondary Estuarine S. Western
Cork County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Ballincollig D0049-01 Pass 21,600 26,000 Secondary & nutrient River S. Western
Ballineen & Enniskeane
D0472-01 Pass 840 660 Secondary River S. Western
Ballingeary D0431-01 No secondary 650 600 Primary River S. Western
Ballyclough D0441-01 Pass 600 800 Secondary River S. Western
Ballycotton D0516-01 No secondary 1,000 No treatment Coastal S. Western
Ballydehob D0467-01 No secondary 560 700 Primary Coastal S. Western
Ballygarvan D0540-01 Fail Quality 634 1,000 Secondary River S. Western
Ballyhooley D0432-01 Fail Quality 545 750 Secondary River S. Western
Ballymakeera D0299-01 No secondary 1,600 1,400 Primary River S. Western
Baltimore D0296-01 Pass 1,684 3,600 Secondary & UV Estuarine S. Western
Bandon D0136-01 Pass 8,200 20,000 Secondary River S. Western
57
Cork City did not meet the mandatory quality standard for nitrogen set in the Directive.
Page | 29
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Banteer D0448-01 Pass 700 700 Secondary River S. Western
Bantry D0168-01 Pass 5,647 6,000 Secondary, nutrient, UV Coastal S. Western
Belgooley D0541-01 Fail Quality 1,500 1,000 Secondary & UV River S. Western
Blarney
Cloghroe D0043-01
Pass
Fail
Quality
6,100
600
13,000
600
Secondary & nutrient
Secondary
River
River
S. Western
Boherbue D0437-01 Fail Sample no. 800 600 Secondary River S. Western
Buttevant D0303-01 Pass 1,700 3,150 Secondary & nutrient River S. Western
Bweeng D0438-01 Pass 500 500 Secondary & nutrient River S. Western
Carrignavar D0517-01 Fail Quality 500 500 Secondary River S. Western
Carrigtohill D0044-01 Fail58
Quality 12,000 8,500 Secondary Estuarine S. Western
Castlelyons D0449-01 Pass 400 1,200 Secondary & nutrient River S. Western
Castlemartyr D0134-01 Pass 1,938 2,000 Secondary River S. Western
Castletownbere D0297-01 No secondary 1,300 No treatment Coastal S. Western
Castletownroche D0293-01 Pass 950 1,000 Secondary River S. Western
Castletownshend D0468-01 No secondary 450 No treatment Coastal S. Western
Charleville D0204-01 Pass 3,696 7,500 Secondary River Shannon
Churchtown D0444-01 Pass 600 936 Secondary & UV Ground S. Western
Clonakilty D0051-01 Fail59
Quality 15,000 15,000 Secondary Estuarine 60 S. Western
Clondulane D0445-01 Pass 450 700 Secondary River S. Western
Cloughduv D0330-01 Fail59
Quality 200 1,500 Secondary & nutrient River S. Western
Cloyne D0298-01 Pass 1,200 1,400 Secondary River S. Western
Coachford D0427-01 No secondary 726 600 Primary Lake S. Western
Cobh D0054-01 No secondary 12,000 No treatment Coastal S. Western
Conna D0439-01 Fail Quality 510 800 Secondary River S. Western
Courtmacsherry D0294-01 No secondary 1,380 500 Primary Estuarine S. Western
Doneraile D0300-01 Pass 941 1,680 Secondary & nutrient River S. Western
58
Carrigtohill also did not meet the quality standards for phosphorus and nitrogen set in the Directive. 59
Fail for suspended solids only. The Directive sets a limit for this parameter but notes that the requirement is optional. 60
Designated as a sensitive area by the Urban Waste Water Treatment (Amendment) Regulations 2010. Nutrient reduction required by 22nd
December 2016.
Page | 30
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Drimoleague D0470-01 Fail Quality 635 500 Secondary River S. Western
Dripsey D0426-01 Pass 390 600 Secondary River S. Western
Dromahane D0302-01 Pass 1,150 1,000 Secondary River S. Western
Dunmanway D0160-01 Fail Quality 2,404 3,000 Secondary River S. Western
Fermoy D0058-01 Pass 14,000 20,000 Secondary & nutrient River S. Western
Glanworth D0450-01 Fail Quality 607 800 Secondary River S. Western
Glengariff D0471-01 No secondary 750 1,000 Primary Coastal S. Western
Glenville D0515-01 Fail Quality 500 500 Secondary River S. Western
Innishannon D0429-01 No secondary 887 833 Primary River S. Western
Kanturk D0203-01 Pass 2,354 3,500 Secondary & nutrient River S. Western
Kilbrittan D0425-01 Fail61
Quality 598 800 Secondary River S. Western
Kildorrery D0442-01 Fail61
Quality 500 800 Secondary River S. Western
Kileens D0329-01 Pass 860 1,200 Secondary River S. Western
Killavullen D0447-01 Pass 700 1,000 Secondary River S. Western
Killeagh D0301-01 Fail Quality 1,000 1,990 Secondary River S. Western
Kilworth D0334-01 Fail Sample no. 1,200 2,500 Secondary & nutrient River S. Western
Kinsale D0132-01 Pass 8,000 10,000 Secondary, nutrient, UV Estuarine S. Western
Ladysbridge D0328-01 Fail61
Quality 650 950 Secondary River S. Western
Macroom D0126-01 Pass 6,600 5,200 Secondary River S. Western
Mallow D0052-01 Pass 14,000 18,000 Secondary & nutrient River S. Western
Midleton D0056-01 Pass 12,000 15,000 Secondary, nutrient, UV Coastal S. Western
Millstreet D0332-01 Pass 2,252 1,600 Secondary River S. Western
Mitchelstown D0202-01 Pass 4,100 7,000 Secondary & nutrient River S. Western
Mogeely D0428-01 Pass 616 1,200 Secondary & nutrient River S. Western
Newmarket D0333-01 Pass 1,100 1,600 Secondary River S. Western
North Cobh D0140-01 Pass 850 2,000 Secondary & nutrient Coastal S. Western
Passage-Monkstown
D0129-01 No secondary 7,600 No treatment Estuarine S. Western
Rathcormac D0200-01 Fail Quality & sample no.
2,500 4,000 Secondary & nutrient River S. Western
61
Fail for suspended solids only. The Directive sets a limit for this parameter but notes that the requirement is optional.
Page | 31
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Ringaskiddy Village
D0436-01 No secondary 797 797 Preliminary Coastal S. Western
Ringaskiddy-Crosshaven-Carrigaline
D0057-01 No secondary 39,200 Preliminary Coastal S. Western
Riverstick D0433-01 Fail Quality 550 550 Secondary & nutrient River S. Western
Rosscarbery-Owenahincha
D0172-01 No secondary 4,051 5,239 Primary Coastal S. Western
Schull D0295-01 No secondary 1,680 1,266 Primary Coastal S. Western
Skibbereen D0166-01 Pass 3,000 4,700 Secondary & nutrient Estuarine S. Western
Timoleague D0466-01 No secondary 592 No treatment Estuarine S. Western
Unionhall D0469-01 No secondary 634 344 Primary Estuarine S. Western
Watergrasshill D0201-01 Pass 1,600 3,000 Secondary & nutrient River S. Western
Whitegate-Aghada
D0423-01 No secondary 1,953 No treatment Coastal S. Western
Youghal D0139-01 No secondary 9,600 No treatment Estuarine S. Western
Page | 32
Donegal County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Ardara D0512-01 Fail Quality 940 2,350 Secondary Estuarine N. Western
Ballybofey-Stranorlar
D0120-01 Fail Quality 6,200 4,000 Secondary River N. Western
Ballyliffen D0351-01 Fail Quality 1,200 1,000 Secondary River N. Western
Ballyshannon D0128-01 Pass 4,316 6,100 Secondary Estuarine N. Western
Bridgend D0532-01 Fail Quality 670 260 Secondary River N. Western
Buncrana D0125-01 No secondary 5,231 13,500 Primary Coastal N. Western
Bundoran D0130-01 No secondary 8,046 9,000 Preliminary Coastal N. Western
Burnfoot D0531-01 Fail Quality 551 180 Secondary River N. Western
Carndonagh D0113-01 Pass 3,996 5,200 Secondary River N. Western
Carrigart D0523-01 No secondary 700 500 Primary Estuarine N. Western
Castlefinn D0514-01 No secondary 963 600 Primary River N. Western
Clonmany D0533-01 Pass 624 650 Secondary River N. Western
Convoy D0344-01 No secondary 1,199 1,500 Primary River N. Western
Creeslough D0534-01 Fail Quality 590 300 Secondary River N. Western
Donegal Town D0135-01 Pass 6,500 12,000 Secondary Estuarine N. Western
Downings D0350-01 No secondary 1,910 1,000 Primary Coastal N. Western
Dunfanaghy-Portnablagh
D0211-01 No secondary 1,700 900 Primary Coastal N. Western
Dungloe D0208-01 No secondary 1,600 1,200 Primary River N. Western
Dunkineeley D0521-01 No secondary 650 1,000 Primary Coastal N. Western
Fahan D0535-01 No secondary 938 800 Primary Coastal N. Western
Falcarragh D0343-01 No secondary 1,722 No treatment Estuarine N. Western
Glenties D0210-01 No secondary 1,620 1,000 Primary River N. Western
Page | 33
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Kilcar D0520-01 No secondary 550 1,000 Preliminary Coastal N. Western
Killea D0537-01 Fail Quality 653 800 Secondary River N. Western
Killybegs D0011-01 No secondary
62
81,382 No treatment Estuarine 63 N. Western
Killygordon D0518-01 Pass 561 1,700 Secondary River N. Western
Kilmacrennan D0513-01 Fail64
Quality 938 500 Secondary River N. Western
Letterkenny D0009-01 Fail Quality65
22,500 20,000 Secondary Estuarine N. Western
Lifford D0352-01 No secondary 1,969 1,550 Primary Estuarine N. Western
Manor-cunningham
D0519-01 Pass 651 1,000 Secondary Estuarine N. Western
Milford D0342-01 Pass 1,931 920 Secondary River N. Western
Mountcharles D0522-01 Fail Quality 651 380 Secondary River N. Western
Moville D0212-01 No secondary 1,931 No treatment River N. Western
Newtown-cunningham
D0349-01 Fail Quality 1,400 1,000 Secondary River N. Western
Ramelton D0341-01 No secondary 1,630 No treatment Estuarine N. Western
Raphoe D0209-01 Fail Quality 1,600 800 Secondary River N. Western
Rathmullan D0345-01 No secondary 1,600 2,000 Primary Coastal N. Western
Rossnowlagh D0539-01 Pass 1,000 1,000 Secondary Estuarine N. Western
St Johnston D0538-01 No secondary 924 No treatment River N. Western
62
Killybegs also did not meet the quality standards for phosphorus and nitrogen set in the Directive. 63
42,366 p.e. discharged to sensitive area and 39,016 p.e. discharged outside the sensitive area. 64
Fail for suspended solids only. The Directive sets a limit for this parameter but notes that the requirement is optional. 65
There was a marked improvement in effluent quality from October 2012, when a new waste water treatment plant commenced operation at Letterkenny.
Page | 34
Dublin City Council 2012
(with Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council & Meath County Council)
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Greater Dublin66
(Ringsend)
D0034-01 Fail67
Quality 2,362,329 1,640,000 Secondary & UV Estuarine Eastern
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Shanganagh D0038-01 Pass68
60,000 186,000 Secondary Coastal Eastern
66
In 2012 waste water from the Howth catchment was treated at Ringsend waste water treatment plant (D0034-01), with the exception of 120 p.e. which was discharged without treatment to coastal water at Doldrum Bay. This discharge is required to cease. 67
Fail for suspended solids only. The Directive sets a limit for this parameter but notes that the requirement is optional. Ringsend did not meet the mandatory quality standards for phosphorus and nitrogen set in the Directive. 68
Extreme results from 2 samples taken on 02/05/2012 were not taken into consideration in the assessment, in accordance with Annex 1.D.5 of the Directive.
Page | 35
Fingal County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Balbriggan-Skerries Loughshinny
D0023-01
Pass
No secondary
30,688
700
70,000
700
Secondary & UV Primary
Coastal
Eastern
Lusk69
D0122-01 No secondary 7,000 2,300 Primary Estuarine Eastern
Malahide D0021-01 Pass 12,787 21,000 Secondary & UV Estuarine Eastern
Portrane70
D0114-01 Fail Sample no. 24,403 65,000 Secondary & UV Coastal Eastern
Rush D0119-01 No secondary 7,800 No treatment Coastal Eastern
Swords Toberburr
D0024-01
Pass
Fail
No results
62,901
640
60,000
640
Secondary & nutrient Secondary
Estuarine
River
Eastern
Galway City Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Galway City D0050-01 Pass 91,600 91,600 Secondary Coastal Western
69
Data refers to January to June 2012. The discharge ceased permanently from June 2012 when the Lusk catchment was connected to Portrane waste water treatment plant. 70
This refers to the new waste water treatment plant which was in operation from April 2012.
Page | 36
Galway County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Ahascragh D0372-01 No secondary 560 150 Preliminary River Shannon
Athenry D0193-01 Pass 6,000 6,000 Secondary & nutrient River Western
Ballinasloe D0032-01 Pass 11,010 13,500 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Ballygar D0371-01 Fail Quality 944 500 Secondary River Shannon
Carraroe D0388-01 No secondary 850 No treatment Coastal Western
Clifden D0198-01 No secondary 4,779 1,875 Primary Estuarine Western
Clonbur D0374-01 Fail Quality 580 700 Secondary River Western
Dunmore D0370-01 Fail Quality 890 3,000 Secondary & nutrient River Western
Eyrecourt D0375-01 No secondary 702 200 Primary River Shannon
Glenamaddy D0379-01 No secondary 952 300 Primary Lake Western
Gort D0195-01 Fail Quality 4,836 4,310 Secondary River Western
Headford D0197-01 Pass 1,390 3,000 Secondary & nutrient River Western
Kinvara D0276-01 No secondary 1,270 No treatment Estuarine Western
Letterfrack D0399-01 Pass 500 800 Secondary River Western
Loughrea D0194-01 Pass 10,000 9,500 Secondary & nutrient River Western
Mountbellew D0219-01 Fail Quality 1,483 700 Secondary River Shannon
Moycullen D0191-01 Pass 3,237 4,000 Secondary & nutrient River Western
Moylough D0403-01 Fail Quality 600 600 Secondary River Shannon
Oughterard D0192-01 Fail Quality 1,760 500 Secondary River Western
Portumna D0196-01 Pass 5,833 3,100 Secondary & nutrient Lake Shannon
Spiddal D0396-01 No secondary 693 No treatment Coastal Western
Tuam D0031-01 Pass 22,440 24,834 Secondary & nutrient River Western
Page | 37
Kerry County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Abbeydorney D0417-01 No secondary 564 350 Primary River Shannon
Ardfert D0282-01 No secondary 1,500 800 Primary River Shannon
Ballybunion D0183-01 Pass 2,494 8,180 Secondary Estuarine Shannon
Ballyduff D0418-01 No secondary 800 800 Primary River Shannon
Ballyheigue D0186-01 Pass 1,948 4,234 Secondary, nutrient, UV Coastal Shannon
Ballylongford D0459-01 No secondary 900 600 Primary Estuarine Shannon
Cahersiveen D0181-01 Pass 3,073 5,600 Secondary Estuarine S. Western
Castlegregory D0461-01 No secondary 500 500 Primary Coastal Shannon
Castleisland D0180-01 Pass 5,058 6,000 Secondary & nutrient River S. Western
Dingle D0185-01 Pass 12,000 12,000 Secondary Coastal S. Western
Fenit D0284-01 No secondary 1,300 500 Primary Coastal Shannon
Fieries D0460-01 Pass 1,500 1,500 Secondary & nutrient River S. Western
Glenbeigh D0286-01 Pass 1,900 500 Secondary River S. Western
Kenmare D0184-01 Pass 5,833 5,833 Secondary Estuarine S. Western
Killarney D0037-01 Pass 42,000 54,000 Secondary & nutrient Lake S. Western
Killorglin D0182-01 Pass 3,879 5,000 Secondary River S. Western
Knightstown D0421-01 No secondary 128 800 Primary Coastal S. Western
Listowel D0179-01 Pass 7,433 12,500 Secondary River Shannon
Lixnaw D0462-01 No secondary 1,064 300 Primary River Shannon
Milltown D0331-01 Pass 3,500 3,500 Secondary River S. Western
Rathmore D0419-01 Pass 1,000 500 Secondary River S. Western
Sneem D0285-01 Pass 2,500 2,500 Secondary & nutrient Estuarine S. Western
Tarbert D0283-01 No secondary 1,400 800 Primary Estuarine Shannon
Tralee D0040-01 Pass71
15,725 50,333 Secondary Estuarine Shannon
Waterville D0287-01 No secondary 495 500 Primary Coastal S. Western
71
Tralee did not meet the sampling standard for nitrogen set in the Directive.
Page | 38
Kildare County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Allenwood D0493-01 Pass 686 1,500 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Athy D0003-01 Fail Sample no. 12,300 15,000 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Ballymore Eustace
D0238-01 No secondary 1,400 500 Primary River Eastern
Castledermot D0236-01 Pass 1,498 2,400 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Coill Dubh D0242-01 Pass 1,226 2,000 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Derrinturn D0244-01 Pass 1,147 2,000 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Kildare Town D0178-01 Fail Quality 10,304 7,000 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Kilmeague D0233-01 Pass 1,200 700 Secondary River Eastern
Leixlip D0004-01 Pass 78,677 80,000 Secondary & nutrient River Eastern
Monasterevin D0177-01 Pass 5,446 9,000 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Osberstown (Upper Liffey Valley Scheme)
D0002-01 Pass 86,408 80,000 Secondary & nutrient River Eastern
Rathangan D0175-01 Pass 1,500 2,000 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Robertstown D0234-01 Pass 1,043 1,000 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Page | 39
Kilkenny County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Ballyhale - Knocktopher
D0530-01 Pass 535 400 Secondary River South Eastern
Ballyragget D0337-01 Fail Quality 1,022 1,920 Secondary River South Eastern
Bennettsbridge D0400-01 No secondary 1,425 610 Primary River South Eastern
Callan D0159-01 Fail Quality 5,700 4,000 Secondary River South Eastern
Castlecomer D0149-01 Fail Quality 1,117 2,540 Secondary River South Eastern
Clogh-Moneenroe
D0340-01 Pass 1,423 1,740 Secondary River South Eastern
Fiddown D0528-01 No secondary 608 300 Primary Estuarine South Eastern
Freshford D0526-01 No secondary 1,000 400 Primary River South Eastern
Goresbridge D0529-01 No secondary 550 400 Primary River South Eastern
Gowran D0335-01 Pass 602 1,600 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Graiguenamanagh D0155-01 Pass 1,914 3,000 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Johnstown D0401-01 No secondary 990 900 Primary River South Eastern
Kilkenny City D0018-01 Pass72
47,888 107,650 Secondary River South Eastern
Kilmacow D0525-01 Pass 700 2,500 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Mooncoin D0145-01 Fail Quality 1,273 2,800 Secondary & nutrient Estuarine South Eastern
Mullinavat D0527-01 No secondary 411 280 Primary River South Eastern
Paulstown D0339-01 Pass 783 1,000 Secondary River South Eastern
Piltown D0157-01 Pass 2,326 1,500 Secondary Estuarine South Eastern
Stonyford D0338-01 Fail Quality 420 500 Secondary River South Eastern
Thomastown D0151-01 Fail73
Quality 2,347 7,500 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Urlingford D0336-01 Pass 1,691 1,500 Secondary River South Eastern
72
Kilkenny City did not meet the quality standard for phosphorus set in the Directive. 73
The fail is due to one isolated incident that occurred during a heavy rainfall event and the monitoring results indicate that the plant performed satisfactorily throughout the rest of the year with all other results within the allowable limits set by the Directive.
Page | 40
Laois County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Abbeyleix D0156-01 Fail Quality 2,136 2,30074
Secondary River South Eastern
Ballinakill D0384-01 Fail Quality & sample no.
850 700 Secondary River South Eastern
Ballylinan D0291-01 Fail Quality & sample no.
1,681 2,000 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Ballyroan D0385-01 Fail Quality 726 600 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Borris-in-Ossory D0290-01 Pass 897 1,62675
Secondary River South Eastern
Castletown D0387-01 Fail Quality 515 500 Secondary River South Eastern
Clonaslee D0386-01 Pass 578 1,200 Secondary River Shannon
Durrow D0289-01 Fail Quality 1,131 500 Secondary River South Eastern
Mountmellick D0152-01 Fail Quality 6,300 7,000 Secondary River South Eastern
Mountrath D0153-01 Fail Quality 2,069 2,30076
Secondary River South Eastern
Portarlington D0158-01 Fail77
Quality 11,000 13,000 Secondary River South Eastern
Portlaoise D0001-01 Pass 27,000 39,000 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Rathdowney D0288-01 Fail Quality & sample no.
2,410 1,50078
Secondary River South Eastern
Stradbally D0292-01 Fail Quality & sample no.
1,599 2,000 Secondary River South Eastern
74
Waste water treatment at Abbeyleix is split between 2 secondary treatment plants. The smaller plant has a capacity of 1,000 p.e. Both plants failed to meet the effluent quality standards during 2012. 75
Waste water treatment at Borris-in-Ossory is split between 2 secondary treatment plants. One of the plants, with a capacity of 1,000 p.e., also provides nutrient reduction. Both plants met the effluent quality and sampling standards during 2012. 76
Waste water treatment at Mountrath is split between 2 secondary treatment plants. The smaller plant has a capacity of 1,000 p.e. Both plants failed to meet the effluent quality standards during 2012. 77
Portarlington also did not meet the standards for phosphorus and nitrogen set in the Directive 78
Waste water treatment at Rathdowney is split between 2 secondary treatment plants. The smaller plant has a capacity of 500 p.e. Both plants failed to meet the effluent quality and sampling standards during 2012.
Page | 41
Leitrim County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Ballinamore D0281-01 Fail79
Quality 1,418 1,800 Secondary & nutrient River N. Western
Carrick-on-Shannon
D0154-01 Pass 6,100 11,500 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Dromahair D0279-01 Pass 1,100 2,200 Secondary & nutrient River Western
Drumshanbo D0144-01 Pass 1,874 4,000 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Kinlough D0280-01 Pass 1,052 2,100 Secondary & nutrient River N. Western
Leitrim Village D0278-01 Pass 1,069 1,500 Secondary River Shannon
Manorhamilton D0150-01 Pass 2,372 3,500 Secondary & nutrient River Western
Mohill D0277-01 Fail79
Quality
1,691 3,000 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Limerick City Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Limerick City D0013-01 Pass 130,000 130,000 Secondary Estuarine Shannon
79
Fail for suspended solids only. The Directive sets a limit for this parameter but notes that the requirement is optional.
Page | 42
Limerick County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Abbeyfeale D0115-01 Pass 2,860 2,860 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Adare D0312-01 Fail Quality 908 2,500 Secondary & nutrient Estuarine Shannon
Askeaton D0315-01 No secondary 1,145 550 Primary Estuarine Shannon
Athea D0508-01 No secondary 735 263 Primary River Shannon
Ballingary D0507-01 Fail Quality 870 500 Secondary River Shannon
Bruff D0313-01 Pass 1,478 2,140 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Bruree D0506-01 Pass 1,251 1,200 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Cahercornlish D0308-01 Pass 1,514 2,500 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Cappamore D0310-01 Pass 741 1,534 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Castletroy D0019-01 Pass 28,951 44,500 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Croom D0307-01 Pass 1,439 2,000 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Doon D0309-01 Pass 413 1,500 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Dromcollagher D0316-01 Fail Quality 1,280 400 Secondary River Shannon
Foynes D0502-01 No secondary 1,020 950 Primary Estuarine Shannon
Glin D0504-01 No secondary 965 710 Primary Estuarine Shannon
Hospital D0314-01 Fail Quality 1,290 500 Secondary River Shannon
Kilfinnane D0305-01 Pass 510 1,500 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Kilmallock D0106-01 Fail Quality 2,128 2,250 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Murroe D0306-01 Pass 1,145 800 Secondary River Shannon
Newcastle West D0108-01 Pass 5,333 9,000 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Oola D0505-01 Fail Quality 439 350 Secondary River Shannon
Pallasgreen D0503-01 Fail Quality 943 750 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Pallaskenry D0304-01 Fail Sample no. 1,172 2,000 Secondary & nutrient Estuarine Shannon
Patrickswell80
None No secondary 1,182 350 Primary River Shannon
Rathkeale D0112-01 Pass 835 4,000 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
80
Patrickswell is scheduled to be connected to Limerick City by the end of 2013.
Page | 43
Longford County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Ballymahon D0096-01 Pass 1,410 2,125 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Drumlish D0489-01 No secondary 1,100 500 Primary River Shannon
Edgeworthstown D0098-01 Pass 2,533 2,750 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Granard D0187-01 Pass 3,200 3,200 Secondary & nutrient Lake Shannon
Longford D0060-01 Pass 17,896 20,000 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Newtownforbes D0317-01 No secondary 1,250 500 Primary River Shannon
Clondra was listed in previous annual assessments but is no longer included as it is now the subject of an application for a certificate of authorisation (ref. A0535-01).
Louth County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Ardee D0117-01 Pass 6,300 5,000 Secondary River Neagh Bann
Blackrock D0188-01 Pass 6,000 6,000 Secondary Estuarine Neagh Bann
Carlingford D0268-01 Pass 1,900 1,500 Secondary Coastal Neagh Bann
Castlebellingham D0269-01 Pass 1,603 1,700 Secondary River Neagh Bann
Clogherhead D0265-01 Pass 1,500 2,000 Secondary Coastal Neagh Bann
Collon D0261-01 Pass 1,200 1,200 Secondary River Eastern
Drogheda D0041-01 Pass 101,000 101,000 Secondary Estuarine 81 Eastern
Dromiskin D0264-01 Pass 1,600 2,100 Secondary River Neagh Bann
Dundalk D0053-01 Pass82
179,000 179,000 Secondary Estuarine Neagh Bann
Dunleer D0111-01 Pass 2,500 4,300 Secondary River Neagh Bann
Knockbridge D0260-01 Pass 1,000 1,000 Secondary River Neagh Bann
Louth Village D0263-01 Pass 1,200 1,200 Secondary River Neagh Bann
Tallanstown D0270-01 Pass 1,000 1,000 Secondary River Neagh Bann
Tullyallen D0266-01 Pass 1,500 1,800 Secondary River Eastern
81
Designated as a sensitive area by the Urban Waste Water Treatment (Amendment) Regulations 2010. Nutrient reduction required by 22nd
December 2016. 82
Dundalk did not meet the mandatory quality standards for phosphorus and nitrogen set in the Directive.
Page | 44
Mayo County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Achill Island Central
D0072-01 Pass 2,174 4,000 Secondary Coastal Western
Achill Sound D0511-01 Pass 275 1,200 Secondary Coastal Western
Balla D0216-01 Fail Quality 715 1,200 Secondary River Western
Ballina D0016-01 Pass 12,420 25,000 Secondary & nutrient Estuarine Western
Ballindine D0355-01 Pass 1,209 732 Secondary & nutrient River Western
Ballinrobe D0070-01 Pass 7,542 8,000 Secondary & nutrient River Western
Ballycastle D0356-01 Pass 20 600 Secondary River Western
Ballyhaunis D0069-01 Pass 4,429 4,000 Secondary & nutrient River Western
Bangor Erris D0215-01 Pass 599 1,080 Secondary & nutrient River Western
Belcarra D0366-01 Fail Quality 400 500 Secondary River Western
Belmullet D0074-01 No secondary 800 No treatment Coastal Western
Bohola D0360-01 Pass 250 650 Secondary River Western
Castlebar D0047-01 Pass 20,813 35,000 Secondary & nutrient River Western
Charlestown D0214-01 Fail Quality 1,356 1,200 Secondary River Western
Claremorris D0071-01 Pass 2,853 5,333 Secondary & nutrient River Western
Cong D0066-01 Pass 922 2,024 Secondary & nutrient Lake Western
Crossmolina D0073-01 Fail Quality 2,189 3,150 Secondary & nutrient River Western
Doogort D0367-01 Fail Quality 420 700 Secondary Coastal Western
Foxford D0213-01 Fail Quality 1,700 1,360 Secondary River Western
Gweesalia D0368-01 Fail Quality & sample no.
277 700 Secondary Estuarine Western
Kilkelly D0357-01 Pass 500 900 Secondary River Western
Killala D0067-01 No secondary 1,500 No treatment Coastal Western
Kilmaine D0361-01 Fail Quality 131 800 Secondary River Western
Page | 45
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Kiltimagh D0217-01 Pass 1,000 3,330 Secondary & nutrient River Western
Knock D0065-01 Pass 999 6,200 Secondary & nutrient River Western
Knock Airport D0354-01 Pass 300 700 Secondary River Western
Lahardane D0380-01 Fail Quality 430 500 Secondary River Western
Louisbourgh D0220-01 Fail Quality 392 1,000 Secondary River Western
Mallaranny D0218-01 Pass 412 1,017 Secondary Coastal Western
Newport D0224-01 No secondary 408 1,287 Primary Estuarine Western
Shrule D0359-01 Pass 736 600 Secondary River Western
Swinford D0068-01 Pass 3,000 6,500 Secondary & nutrient River Western
Westport D0055-01 Fail Quality 10,338 15,042 Secondary & nutrient Coastal Western
Page | 46
Meath County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Athboy D0124-01 Pass 3,809 5,800 Secondary & nutrient River Eastern
Ballivor D0254-01 Pass 1,929 2,000 Secondary & nutrient River Eastern
Carlanstown D0488-01 Fail Quality 604 600 Secondary & nutrient River Eastern
Crossakeel D0484-01 Fail Quality 275 450 Secondary River Eastern
Donore D0251-01 Pass 726 1,200 Secondary & nutrient River Eastern
Drumconrath D0483-01 Fail Quality 403 600 Secondary River Neagh Bann
Duleek D0133-01 Pass 3,677 7,000 Secondary & nutrient River Eastern
Dunshaughlin D0138-01 Pass 5,853 12,000 Secondary & nutrient River Eastern
Enfield D0131-01 Fail Quality 4,053 3,500 Secondary & nutrient River Eastern
Kells D0127-01 Pass 8,093 8,000 Secondary River Eastern
Kentstown D0479-01 Pass 673 600 Secondary & nutrient River Eastern
Kildalkey D0486-01 Pass 580 900 Secondary River Eastern
Kilmainhamwood D0481-01 Pass 436 1,000 Secondary & nutrient River Neagh Bann
Longwood D0250-01 Fail Quality 1,845 1,500 Secondary & nutrient River Eastern
Moynalty D0491-01 Pass 244 800 Secondary & nutrient River Eastern
Navan D0059-01 Pass83
35,743 50,000 Secondary & nutrient River Eastern
Nobber D0487-01 Pass 499 600 Secondary River Neagh Bann
Oldcastle D0258-01 Pass 2,063 1,500 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Rathmolyon D0490-01 Pass 377 800 Secondary River Eastern
Slane D0257-01 Fail Quality & sample no.
1,786 2,250 Secondary River Eastern
Stamullen D0262-01 Fail Quality 2,089 2,300 Secondary & nutrient River Eastern
Summerhill D0259-01 Pass 975 3,000 Secondary River Eastern
Trim D0137-01 Pass 8,649 12,000 Secondary & nutrient River Eastern
83
Navan did not meet the mandatory quality standard for nitrogen set in the Directive.
Page | 47
Monaghan County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Ballinode D0435-01 Pass 487 1,000 Secondary & nutrient River Neagh Bann
Ballybay D0207-01 Pass 3,135 7,283 Secondary River N. Western
Carrickmacross D0062-01 Pass 12,143 12,150 Secondary & nutrient River Neagh Bann
Castleblayney D0205-01 Pass 5,692 12,960 Secondary Lake Neagh Bann
Clones D0206-01 Fail Sample no. 3,100 4,500 Secondary River N. Western
Emyvale D0346-01 Pass 1,045 2,000 Secondary & nutrient River Neagh Bann
Glaslough D0347-01 Pass 720 1,850 Secondary & nutrient River Neagh Bann
Inniskeen D0348-01 Pass 979 1,750 Secondary & nutrient River Neagh Bann
Knockaconny D0463-01 Pass 220 1,000 Secondary River Neagh Bann
Monaghan D0061-01 Pass 18,500 43,833 Secondary & nutrient River Neagh Bann
Newbliss D0458-01 Fail84
Quality 650 1,000 Secondary & nutrient River N. Western
Rockorry D0454-01 Fail Sample no. 550 1,000 Secondary & nutrient River N. Western
Scotstown D0494-01 Pass 520 1,000 Secondary & nutrient River Neagh Bann
Smithboro D0464-01 Pass 590 750 Secondary River N. Western
84
Fail for suspended solids only. The Directive sets a limit for this parameter but notes that the requirement is optional.
Page | 48
Offaly County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Ballinagar D0362-01 Fail85
Quality 500 1,000 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Banagher D0141-01 Pass 2,540 2,500 Secondary River Shannon
Birr D0109-01 Pass 7,659 12,000 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Clara D0142-01 Pass 5,776 9,000 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Cloghan D0369-01 Pass 754 800 Secondary River Shannon
Daingean D0226-01 Pass 1,229 1,200 Secondary River South Eastern
Edenderry D0110-01 Pass 6,992 9,500 Secondary & nutrient River Eastern
Ferbane D0147-01 Pass 1,635 3,184 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Kilcormac D0225-01 Pass 1,026 2,000 Secondary River Shannon
Kinnity D0363-01 Pass 418 750 Secondary River Shannon
Mucklagh D0364-01 Pass 786 1,100 Secondary River Shannon
Rhode D0227-01 Fail Quality 846 1,000 Secondary & nutrient River Eastern
Shinrone D0365-01 Fail85
Quality
814 1,000 Secondary River Shannon
Tullamore D0039-01 Pass 25,000 45,000 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
85
Fail for suspended solids only. The Directive sets a limit for this parameter but notes that the requirement is optional.
Page | 49
Roscommon County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Ballaghderreen D0123-01 Pass 2,330 2,500 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Ballinlough D0378-01 Pass 630 800 Secondary & nutrient Lake Shannon
Ballyleague D0229-01 Fail Quality 981 1,000 Secondary Lake Shannon
Boyle D0121-01 Pass 5,338 6,000 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Castlerea D0118-01 Pass 4,807 4,950 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Elphin D0230-01 Fail Quality 1,160 800 Secondary River Shannon
Frenchpark D0376-01 Fail Quality 705 500 Secondary River Shannon
Hodson Bay D0377-01 Fail86
Quality 344 800 Secondary Lake Shannon
Monksland D0042-01 Fail Quality 10,117 14,381 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Roosky D0408-01 Pass 1,536 2,600 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Roscommon D0116-01 Pass 4,534 9,550 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Strokestown D0228-01 Pass 1,085 1,000 Secondary River Shannon
Tarmonbarry D0524-01 Fail Sample no. 500 600 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
86
Fail for suspended solids only. The Directive sets a limit for this parameter but notes that the requirement is optional.
Page | 50
Sligo County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Ballisadare D0095-01 Pass 1,766 4,500 Secondary Estuarine Western
Ballymote D0094-01 Fail87
Quality 2,553 3,000 Secondary River Western
Carney D0393-01 Pass 350 2,500 Secondary & nutrient River Western
Cliffoney D0394-01 Fail Quality 710 450 Secondary River Western
Collooney D0093-01 Pass 1,930 1,400 Secondary River Western
Coolaney D0392-01 Pass 1,100 2,500 Secondary & nutrient River Western
Easkey D0373-01 Pass 366 450 Secondary River Western
Enniscrone D0102-01 Pass 3,324 5,000 Secondary Coastal Western
Grange D0381-01 Fail Quality 844 280 Secondary River Western
Gurteen D0382-01 Pass 350 2,500 Secondary & nutrient River Western
Mullaghmore D0239-01 No secondary 940 320 Primary Coastal N. Western
Riverstown D0383-01 Fail Quality 357 600 Secondary River Western
Rosses Point D0249-01 No secondary 1,409 1,500 Primary Coastal Western
Sligo D0014-01 Pass 27,731 50,000 Secondary, nutrient, UV Coastal Western
Strandhill D0107-01 Fail Quality 1,833 1,500 Secondary Coastal Western
Tubbercurry D0092-01 Fail Quality 2,283 1,400 Secondary River Western
87
Fail for suspended solids only. The Directive sets a limit for this parameter but notes that the requirement is optional.
Page | 51
North Tipperary County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Ballina-Killaloe D0189-01 Pass 4,175 4,000 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Borrisokane D0326-01 Pass 828 1,500 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Borrisoleigh D0323-01 Pass88
1,383 2,000 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Cloughjordan D0475-01 Fail Quality 245 500 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Holycross D0478-01 Pass 650 600 Secondary River South Eastern
Littleton D0480-01 Pass 600 1,000 Secondary River South Eastern
Nenagh D0027-01 Pass 37,033 18,000 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Newport D0325-01 Pass 2,166 1,900 Secondary River Shannon
Roscrea D0025-01 Pass89
15,185 26,000 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Templemore D0190-01 Pass 1,387 6,000 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Thurles D0026-01 Pass 10,893 15,000 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Twomileborris D0474-01 Pass 600 800 Secondary River South Eastern
88
One extreme BOD result from 06/12/2012 was not taken into consideration in the assessment, in accordance with Annex 1.D.5 of the Directive. 89
Roscrea did not meet the mandatory quality standard for nitrogen set in the Directive.
Page | 52
South Tipperary County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Ardfinnan D0311-01 Pass 1,070 1,000 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Ballyclerihan D0455-01 Pass 536 2,000 Secondary, nutrient, UV River South Eastern
Cahir D0167-01 Pass 4,390 5,000 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Cappawhite D0440-01 Pass 690 1,750 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Carrick-on-Suir D0148-01 Pass 7,557 11,000 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Cashel D0171-01 Pass 6,842 9,000 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Clogheen D0453-01 Pass 533 1,000 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Clonmel D0035-01 Pass 46,428 80,000 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Fethard D0164-01 Pass 2,684 3,000 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Killenaule D0443-01 Pass 727 1,200 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Kilsheelan D0452-01 Pass 460 1,000 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Limerick Junction D0457-01 Fail Quality & sample no.
656 500 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Mullinahone D0456-01 Fail Quality & sample no.
641 800 Secondary River South Eastern
Tipperary D0146-01 Pass 8,732 9,800 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Page | 53
Waterford City Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Waterford City D0022-01 Pass 76,456 190,600 Secondary Estuarine South Eastern
Waterford County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Ardmore D0162-01 No secondary 1,924 Preliminary Coastal South Eastern
Cappoquin D0272-01 No secondary 1,458 950 Primary Estuarine S. Western
Dungarvan D0017-01 Pass 16,500 25,000 Secondary Coastal South Eastern
Dunmore East D0170-01 No secondary 5,740 No treatment Coastal South Eastern
Kilmacthomas D0275-01 No secondary 1,250 600 Primary River South Eastern
Lismore D0176-01 Fail Sample no. 1,807 2,161 Secondary River S. Western
Portlaw D0274-01 Fail Quality 1,500 1,750 Secondary River South Eastern
Ring-Helvick-Baile na nGall
D0358-01 Pass 900 1,600 Secondary Coastal South Eastern
Stradbally D0353-01 No secondary 600 240 Primary Estuarine South Eastern
Tallow D0273-01 No secondary 1,427 450 Primary90
River S. Western
Tramore D0015-01 Pass 12,630 20,000 Secondary Coastal South Eastern
90
There is also a supplementary plant with secondary treatment at Tallow, which treats waste water from a population equivalent of 250 p.e. This plant met the effluent quality and sampling standards during 2012.
Page | 54
Westmeath County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Athlone D0007-01 Pass 30,000 30,000 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Ballymore D0509-01 Pass 400 500 Secondary River Shannon
Ballynacarrigy D0482-01 Pass 400 600 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Castlepollard D0105-01 Pass 2,000 6,500 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Clonmellon D0271-01 Pass 439 1,500 Secondary River Eastern
Collinstown D0485-01 Fail Quality 240 1,200 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Delvin D0267-01 Pass 950 1,250 Secondary River Eastern
Kilbeggan D0103-01 Pass 2,005 2,250 Secondary River Shannon
Killucan D0100-01 Pass 712 2,500 Secondary & nutrient River Eastern
Kinnegad D0104-01 Fail91
Quality 2,699 4,800 Secondary & nutrient River Eastern
Moate D0097-01 Pass 4,864 5,000 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Mullingar D0008-01 Pass 32,000 55,000 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
Multyfarnham D0510-01 Pass 300 700 Secondary River Shannon
Rochfortbridge D0101-01 Pass 2,341 4,500 Secondary & nutrient River Eastern
Tyrellspass D0099-01 Pass 727 2,000 Secondary & nutrient River Shannon
91
Fail for suspended solids only. The Directive sets a limit for this parameter but notes that the requirement is optional.
Page | 55
Wexford County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Ballaghkeen (Ballagh)
D0398-01 Pass 469 500 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Ballycanew D0402-01 No secondary 840 150 Primary River South Eastern
Ballymurn D0407-01 Pass 661 600 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Blackwater D0143-01 Pass 1,038 2,000 Secondary River South Eastern
Bridgetown D0231-01 Fail92
Quality 1,058 2,000 Secondary & nutrient Estuarine South Eastern
Bunclody D0163-01 Pass 1,797 6,500 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Camolin D0405-01 No secondary 630 400 Primary River South Eastern
Campile D0409-01 No secondary 639 250 Primary Estuarine South Eastern
Castlebridge D0235-01 Pass 2,241 2,000 Secondary Estuarine South Eastern
Clonroche D0404-01 Pass 613 650 Secondary River South Eastern
Coolgreany D0174-01 Pass 546 2,400 Secondary River South Eastern
Courtown
Gorey
D0046-01
Fail
Fail92
Quality93
& sample no.
Quality
12,000
5,000
12,000
5,000
Secondary
Secondary & nutrient
Coastal
River
South Eastern
Duncannon D0245-01 No secondary 1,172 No treatment Coastal South Eastern
Enniscorthy
Kilagoley
D0029-01
Pass
Fail
Quality
15,900
1,316
16,500
850
Secondary
Secondary
Estuarine
River
South Eastern
Ferns D0169-01 Fail Quality93
& sample no.
1,808 2,150 Secondary & nutrient
94
River South Eastern
Fetherd-on-Sea D0241-01 No secondary 912 500 Primary Estuarine South Eastern
92
Fail for suspended solids only. The Directive sets a limit for this parameter but notes that the requirement is optional. 93
The quality fail was for suspended solids only. 94
There is also a plant that provides primary treatment only at Ferns and this caters for a population equivalent of less than 500.
Page | 56
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Kilmore Quay D0232-01 No secondary 1,386 No treatment Coastal South Eastern
Kilmuckridge D0161-01 Fail95
Quality 1,686 2,000 Secondary River South Eastern
New Ross D0036-01 Pass 16,000 16,000 Secondary Estuarine South Eastern
Piercetown D0406-01 Pass 785 800 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Rosslare Harbour D0165-01 Pass 3,938 9,400 Secondary Coastal South Eastern
Rosslare Strand D0173-01 Fail Quality96
& sample no.
6,240 7,500 Secondary Coastal South Eastern
Taghmon D0389-01 Fail Quality 980 600 Secondary River South Eastern
Tagoat D0397-01 Pass 750 750 Secondary & nutrient River South Eastern
Wexford Town D0030-01 Pass 28,000 45,000 Secondary & nutrient Estuarine South Eastern
95
Fail for suspended solids only. The Directive sets a limit for this parameter but notes that the requirement is optional. 96
The quality fail was for suspended solids only.
Page | 57
Wicklow County Council 2012
Urban area Reg. No. Pass or Fail Reason for failure
Persistent failures
Urban area (p.e)
WWTP (p.e.)
Level of treatment provided
Receiving water
Sensitive area
River Basin District
Arklow D0006-01 No secondary 16,997 No treatment Coastal Eastern
Aughrim D0222-01 Pass 1,314 1,200 Secondary River Eastern
Avoca D0411-01 No secondary 1,214 500 Primary River Eastern
Ballinaclash D0412-01 Fail Quality 501 900 Secondary & nutrient River Eastern
Baltinglass D0089-01 Pass 2,653 3,000 Secondary River South Eastern
Blessington D0063-01 Pass 6,100 6,000 Secondary & nutrient Lake Eastern
Bray97
D0005-01 No secondary 35,000 40,000 Preliminary Coastal Eastern
Carnew D0064-01 Pass 2,938 2,400 Secondary River South Eastern
Milltown Dunlavin: Logatryna
D0476-01
Pass
Fail
Quality
581
1,378
600
300
Secondary Secondary
River
South Eastern
Enniskerry D0088-01 Pass 5,183 6,000 Secondary & nutrient River Eastern
Greystones D0010-01 Pass 36,202 30,000 Secondary Coastal Eastern
Kilcoole D0087-01 Pass 1,108 2,400 Secondary River Eastern
Kilpedder D0416-01 Pass 679 600 Secondary River Eastern
Laragh D0415-01 Pass 527 1,000 Secondary River Eastern
Newcastle D0410-01 Pass 837 1,000 Secondary River Eastern
Rathdrum D0086-01 Pass 2,275 3,500 Secondary & nutrient River Eastern
Redcross D0414-01 Pass 1,047 1,000 Secondary & nutrient River Eastern
Roundwood D0223-01 Pass 1,088 1,600 Secondary River Eastern
Shillelagh D0413-01 Pass 550 800 Secondary River South Eastern
Tinahely D0221-01 Pass 1,199 1,200 Secondary River South Eastern
Wicklow D0012-01 Pass 17,906 32,000 Secondary Coastal Eastern
Stratford was listed in previous annual assessments but is no longer included as the waste water discharge licence application was withdrawn and Wicklow County Council
applied for a certificate of authorisation for the discharge (ref. A0533-01).
97
Data refers to January to September 2012. Discharge ceased around Sept/Oct 2012 when the Bray catchment was connected to Shanganagh waste water treatment plant (ref. D0038-01).
Page | 58
Appendix B: Areas with no treatment or preliminary treatment only.
Larger urban areas, above the Directive thresholds98
, with no treatment or preliminary
treatment only at the end of 2012.
Water services authority Urban area Licence number
Cork County Council Cobh D0054-01
Cork County Council Passage West / Monkstown D0129-01
Cork County Council Ringaskiddy/Crosshaven/Carrigaline D0057-01
Cork County Council Youghal D0139-01
Donegal County Council Killybegs D0011-01
Wicklow County Council Arklow D0006-01
There is also an untreated secondary discharge of approximately 120 p.e. from the Ringsend
agglomeration (D0034-01) at Howth.
Smaller urban areas, in the size range 500 p.e. up to the Directive thresholds98
, with no
treatment or preliminary treatment only in 2012.
Water services authority Urban area Licence number
Clare County Council Ballyvaughan D0327-01
Clare County Council Clarecastle D0322-01
Clare County Council Kilkee D0078-01
Clare County Council Kilrush D0075-01
Clare County Council Liscannor D0430-01
Cork County Council Ballycotton D0516-01
Cork County Council Castletownbere D0297-01
Cork County Council Castletownshend D0468-01
Cork County Council Ringaskiddy Village D0436-01
Cork County Council Timoleague D0466-01
Cork County Council Whitegate/Aghada D0423-01
Donegal County Council Bundoran D0130-01
Donegal County Council Falcarragh D0343-01
Donegal County Council Kilcar D0520-01
Donegal County Council Moville D0212-01
Donegal County Council Ramelton D0341-01
Donegal County Council St Johnston D0538-01
Fingal County Council Rush D0119-01
Galway County Council Ahascragh D0372-01
Galway County Council Carraroe D0388-01
98
2,000 p.e. for discharges to freshwater and estuaries, 10,000 p.e. for coastal discharges.
Page | 59
Water services authority Urban area Licence number
Galway County Council Kinvara D0276-01
Galway County Council Spiddal D0396-01
Mayo County Council Belmullet D0074-01
Mayo County Council Killala D0067-01
Waterford County Council Ardmore D0162-01
Waterford County Council Dunmore East D0170-01
Wexford County Council Duncannon D0245-01
Wexford County Council Kilmore Quay D0232-01
Certificate of authorisation areas (< 500 p.e.) where waste water is discharged with no
treatment.99
Water services authority Certificate of authorisation site Certificate number
Cork County Council Inchigeelagh100
A0349-01
Cork County Council Kilmacsimon101
A0360-01
Donegal County Council Burtonport102
A0446-01
Donegal County Council Kerrykeel101
A0445-01
Galway County Council Roundstone A0115-01
Louth County Council Omeath A0072-01
Wexford County Council Arthurstown A0243-01
Wexford County Council Ballyhack100
A0242-01
A certificate of authorisation also issued for Courtbrack in Co. Cork (Certificate number
A0437-01). There was no treatment plant in place at the time of issue of the certificate and
the area was served by private on-site treatment systems. The certificate relates to a
proposed new waste water treatment plant.
99
As reported by the water services authority in the application for a certificate of authorisation. 100
A portion of the waste water at this area receives primary treatment. 101
A portion of the waste water at this area receives secondary treatment. 102
A portion of the waste water at this area receives primary treatment and a portion receives secondary treatment.
Page | 60
Appendix C: Sewage sludge produced by water services authorities in 2012.
Water services authority Tonnes dry solids/year
Carlow County Council 799
Cavan County Council 2,110
Clare County Council 279
Cork City Council 2,805
Cork County Council 1,728
Donegal County Council 693
Dublin City Council 22,434
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown 1,445
Fingal County Council 1,875
Galway County Council 1,019
Galway City Council 1,943
Kerry County Council 1,052
Kildare County Council 3,182
Kilkenny County Council 940
Laois County Council 753
Leitrim County Council 130
Limerick City Council. & Limerick County Council 2,786
Longford County Council 1,022
Louth County Council 1,528
Mayo County Council 9,582
Meath County Council 1,589
Monaghan County Council 759
Offaly County Council 971
Roscommon County Council 1,012
Sligo County Council 468
North Tipperary County Council 1,815
South Tipperary County Council 1,353
Waterford City Council 737
Waterford County Council 473
Westmeath County Council 3,356
Wexford County Council 1,433
Wicklow County Council 358
Total 72,429
An Ghníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil
Is í an Gníomhaireacht um ChaomhnúComhshaoil (EPA) comhlachta reachtúil achosnaíonn an comhshaol do mhuintir na tírego léir. Rialaímid agus déanaimid maoirsiú arghníomhaíochtaí a d'fhéadfadh truailliú achruthú murach sin. Cinntímid go bhfuil eolascruinn ann ar threochtaí comhshaoil ionas gonglactar aon chéim is gá. Is iad na príomh-nithe a bhfuilimid gníomhach leo nácomhshaol na hÉireann a chosaint aguscinntiú go bhfuil forbairt inbhuanaithe.
Is comhlacht poiblí neamhspleách í anGhníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil(EPA) a bunaíodh i mí Iúil 1993 faoin Acht fánnGníomhaireacht um Chaomhnú Comhshaoil1992. Ó thaobh an Rialtais, is í an RoinnComhshaoil, Pobal agus Rialtais Áitiúil.
ÁR bhFREAGRACHTAÍ CEADÚNÚ
Bíonn ceadúnais á n-eisiúint againn i gcomhair na nitheseo a leanas chun a chinntiú nach mbíonn astuithe uathuag cur sláinte an phobail ná an comhshaol i mbaol:
n áiseanna dramhaíola (m.sh., líonadh talún,loisceoirí, stáisiúin aistrithe dramhaíola);
n gníomhaíochtaí tionsclaíocha ar scála mór (m.sh.,déantúsaíocht cógaisíochta, déantúsaíochtstroighne, stáisiúin chumhachta);
n diantalmhaíocht;
n úsáid faoi shrian agus scaoileadh smachtaitheOrgánach Géinathraithe (GMO);
n mór-áiseanna stórais peitreail;
n scardadh dramhuisce;
n dumpáil mara.
FEIDHMIÚ COMHSHAOIL NÁISIÚNTA
n Stiúradh os cionn 2,000 iniúchadh agus cigireachtde áiseanna a fuair ceadúnas ón nGníomhaireachtgach bliain
n Maoirsiú freagrachtaí cosanta comhshaoil údarásáitiúla thar sé earnáil - aer, fuaim, dramhaíl,dramhuisce agus caighdeán uisce
n Obair le húdaráis áitiúla agus leis na Gardaí chunstop a chur le gníomhaíocht mhídhleathachdramhaíola trí comhordú a dhéanamh ar líonraforfheidhmithe náisiúnta, díriú isteach ar chiontóirí,stiúradh fiosrúcháin agus maoirsiú leigheas nabhfadhbanna.
n An dlí a chur orthu siúd a bhriseann dlí comhshaoilagus a dhéanann dochar don chomhshaol marthoradh ar a ngníomhaíochtaí.
MONATÓIREACHT, ANAILÍS AGUS TUAIRISCIÚ ARAN GCOMHSHAOL n Monatóireacht ar chaighdeán aeir agus caighdeáin
aibhneacha, locha, uiscí taoide agus uiscí talaimh;leibhéil agus sruth aibhneacha a thomhas.
n Tuairisciú neamhspleách chun cabhrú le rialtaisnáisiúnta agus áitiúla cinntí a dhéanamh.
RIALÚ ASTUITHE GÁIS CEAPTHA TEASA NA HÉIREANN n Cainníochtú astuithe gáis ceaptha teasa na
hÉireann i gcomhthéacs ár dtiomantas Kyoto.
n Cur i bhfeidhm na Treorach um Thrádáil Astuithe, abhfuil baint aige le hos cionn 100 cuideachta atáina mór-ghineadóirí dé-ocsaíd charbóin in Éirinn.
TAIGHDE AGUS FORBAIRT COMHSHAOIL n Taighde ar shaincheisteanna comhshaoil a
chomhordú (cosúil le caighdéan aeir agus uisce,athrú aeráide, bithéagsúlacht, teicneolaíochtaícomhshaoil).
MEASÚNÚ STRAITÉISEACH COMHSHAOIL
n Ag déanamh measúnú ar thionchar phleananna aguschláracha ar chomhshaol na hÉireann (cosúil lepleananna bainistíochta dramhaíola agus forbartha).
PLEANÁIL, OIDEACHAS AGUS TREOIR CHOMHSHAOIL n Treoir a thabhairt don phobal agus do thionscal ar
cheisteanna comhshaoil éagsúla (m.sh., iarratais archeadúnais, seachaint dramhaíola agus rialacháinchomhshaoil).
n Eolas níos fearr ar an gcomhshaol a scaipeadh (trícláracha teilifíse comhshaoil agus pacáistíacmhainne do bhunscoileanna agus domheánscoileanna).
BAINISTÍOCHT DRAMHAÍOLA FHORGHNÍOMHACH
n Cur chun cinn seachaint agus laghdú dramhaíola tríchomhordú An Chláir Náisiúnta um ChoscDramhaíola, lena n-áirítear cur i bhfeidhm nadTionscnamh Freagrachta Táirgeoirí.
n Cur i bhfeidhm Rialachán ar nós na treoracha maidirle Trealamh Leictreach agus Leictreonach Caite agusle Srianadh Substaintí Guaiseacha agus substaintí adhéanann ídiú ar an gcrios ózóin.
n Plean Náisiúnta Bainistíochta um DramhaílGhuaiseach a fhorbairt chun dramhaíl ghuaiseach asheachaint agus a bhainistiú.
STRUCHTÚR NA GNÍOMHAIREACHTA
Bunaíodh an Ghníomhaireacht i 1993 chun comhshaolna hÉireann a chosaint. Tá an eagraíocht á bhainistiúag Bord lánaimseartha, ar a bhfuil Príomhstiúrthóiragus ceithre Stiúrthóir.
Tá obair na Gníomhaireachta ar siúl trí ceithre Oifig:
n An Oifig Aeráide, Ceadúnaithe agus ÚsáideAcmhainní
n An Oifig um Fhorfheidhmiúchán Comhshaoil
n An Oifig um Measúnacht Comhshaoil
n An Oifig Cumarsáide agus Seirbhísí Corparáide
Tá Coiste Comhairleach ag an nGníomhaireacht lecabhrú léi. Tá dáréag ball air agus tagann siad le chéilecúpla uair in aghaidh na bliana le plé a dhéanamh archeisteanna ar ábhar imní iad agus le comhairle athabhairt don Bhord.
EPA Inside Pages NEW_Blue Text 07/06/2013 10:12 Page 2
Headquarters, PO Box 3000Johnstown Castle EstateCounty Wexford, Ireland
Ceanncheathrú, Bosca Poist 3000Eastát Chaisleán Bhaile SheáinContae Loch Garman, Éire
T:+353 53 916 0600F:+353 53 916 0699
Regional InspectorateMcCumiskey House, RichviewClonskeagh Road, Dublin 14, Ireland
Cigireacht Réigiúnach, Teach Mhic ChumascaighDea-Radharc, Bóthar Cluain SceachBaile Átha Cliath 14, Éire
T:+353 1 268 0100F:+353 1 268 0199
Regional InspectorateInniscarra, County Cork, Ireland
Cigireacht Réigiúnach, Inis CaraContae Chorcaí, Éire
T:+353 21 487 5540F:+353 21 487 5545
Regional InspectorateJohn Moore Road, CastlebarCounty Mayo, Ireland
Cigireacht Réigiúnach, Bóthar Sheán de MórdhaCaisleán an Bharraigh, Contae Mhaigh Eo, Éire
T:+353 94 904 8400F:+353 94 902 1934
Regional InspectorateSeville Lodge, Callan Road,Kilkenny, Ireland
Cigireacht Réigiúnach, Lóiste Sevilla,Bóthar Challainn, Cill Chainnigh, Éire
T:+353 56 779 6700F:+353 56 779 6798
Regional InspectorateThe Glen, Monaghan, Ireland
Cigireacht Réigiúnach, An GleannMuineachán, Éire
T:+353 47 77600F:+353 47 84987
E: [email protected] W: www.epa.ieLo Call: 1890 33 55 99
